Albion Dressage Saddles

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kdoug

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Currently can’t get through to Albion, so hoping someone here may know… are the old Albion SLK’s slightly adjustable by a saddler? I know the Adjusta’s obviously are, but I’m really struggling to find an Albion SLK in brown, 17”. Can only find one made to template, between a M and M/W, and would need a M for my mare. Would they likely be able to narrow it very slightly, or totally set as they are? Thank you!!
 
Generally speaking, wooden spring trees can be altered by a saddler or saddle fitter, providing they have the correct equipment / tools to do the job.

I would be inclined to speak to your fitter to see if they are able to do this for you. :)
 
I suspect Albion will say no but I believe @Baywonder is right, but it would be at your risk as the tree could break. Our local saddler adjusted a K2 for me she was selling at her risk so I'm assuming the SLK is the same but I can't be certain. I would ask your saddler as if he won't do it you could be stuck
 
Lady Jane said:
I believe @Baywonder is right,
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I hope so @Lady Jane - my DH has been a saddle maker for 30+ years! ???

And yes, the older the tree, the higher the risk of the tree breaking. My DH always advises customers of this potential risk before he widens / narrows a tree. Having said that, of all the umpteen saddle trees he has altered, I think a tree breaking has only happened once.
 
Baywonder said:
I hope so @Lady Jane - my DH has been a saddle maker for 30+ years! ???

And yes, the older the tree, the higher the risk of the tree breaking. My DH always advises customers of this potential risk before he widens / narrows a tree. Having said that, of all the umpteen saddle trees he has altered, I think a tree breaking has only happened once.
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Sorry to hijack but do you have a rough idea of cost to replace girth straps on a dressage saddle I want short ones so i can use a long girth, but the saddle in question has a point strap coming out of the front of the saddle which I don't need, is it still possible to put 3 straps coming from the top? Thank you
 
Pinkvboots said:
Sorry to hijack but do you have a rough idea of cost to replace girth straps on a dressage saddle I want short ones so i can use a long girth, but the saddle in question has a point strap coming out of the front of the saddle which I don't need, is it still possible to put 3 straps coming from the top? Thank you
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I've just asked my DH about this, and he has asked you could possibly post a photograph of the girth straps / webbing on your saddle? He will then happily advise you.

However, he does only alter and repair his own saddles, but he will give you an idea of how much it would cost. :)
 
I have a feeling its not going to be possible looking at it, I bought this saddle for my round flat backed no wither arab that often needs a point strap, but it doesn't fit him but it fits my other arab with a wither and he doesn't need a point strap and due to him having muscle wastage previously I don't want to use one hence the change.20210821_110158_compress41.jpg
 
Thank for the photo @Pinkvboots.

My DH has had a look, and he has confirmed your thoughts. It is not possible to add three new girth straps to the current webbing - there is simply not enough there. Your saddle would need a complete strip down to put new webbing on.

My DH has said it would be unfair for him to give you a cost to do this based on his labour and materials, as other saddlers may well charge a lot more, depending upon where you are, and what saddlery / tack shop you use. It might be worth asking your local tack shop if it is something they would do, and if so, how much they would charge.

I hope this helps :)
 
Baywonder said:
Thank for the photo @Pinkvboots.

My DH has had a look, and he has confirmed your thoughts. It is not possible to add three new girth straps to the current webbing - there is simply not enough there. Your saddle would need a complete strip down to put new webbing on.

My DH has said it would be unfair for him to give you a cost to do this based on his labour and materials, as other saddlers may well charge a lot more, depending upon where you are, and what saddlery / tack shop you use. It might be worth asking your local tack shop if it is something they would do, and if so, how much they would charge.

I hope this helps :)
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Thank you I did think it was the case could you not even put 2 up there do you think?
 
I have just spoken to DH.

He says that whilst the main web on your saddle is wide enough to take 2 straps, it is not advisable to do this as it would then put all the pressure in one area. It would be much better to have two separate webs to space the girth straps out and distribute the pressure more evenly. :)
 
Baywonder said:
I have just spoken to DH.

He says that whilst the main web on your saddle is wide enough to take 2 straps, it is not advisable to do this as it would then put all the pressure in one area. It would be much better to have two separate webs to space the girth straps out and distribute the pressure more evenly. :)
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Ok thank you I will make a few enquiries as to how much that will be and if it is worth it.
 
Back to the OP....Albion trees are wooden but they're a brand that my mentor said never to adjust, unlike many others. I think they can be a kind of fragile in the tree adjuster, even if they're perfectly strong for regular use (which they clearly are). I would only return to factory or use someone that Albion is happy to endorse.
 
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