BTB: How to recognize a broken saddle tree

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How to recognize a broken saddle tree Posted: 03 Aug 2010 01:20 PM PDT So, I got my first saddle on trial, found online but the saddle was local so it was dropped off by the owner last week. In theory it was the perfect saddle, the make and model I wanted, reasonably priced, in good condition (judging from the picture). Except when I finally got it to test... Something was wrong. I could tell right away.  It looked limp. Part of it was lack of flocking that was more pronounced on one side. It seemed a tad lumpy around the stirrup bars. When I asked over the phone why the saddle was for sale, the answer was just a little vague. I think the seller is an honest person, but... I had a bad feeling. You can test the tree by holding the saddle against your body and pulling the cantle toward you. I did this test. In addition to the flocking and velcro, I suspect the tree might be broken. This is not the saddle I trialed but here's what a broken tree looks like...  Now, some saddles have more "flex" than others -- the Stubbens and Passiers, for example -- and the only way to really know the condition of the tree is to physically examine it. One model of Henning saddle (very expensive) had a flaw in it and the trees broke very easily.  I'm sure there are other saddles that are prone to breakage.  A friend even warned me that when you buy used online, you'll run into people trying to unload damaged saddles. In short, I'm not sure I would try to buy online without a trial, and without making sure the seller has a great track record. Consignment shops may be the safest bet. RESOURCE Testing the saddle tree from Equisearch

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