Changing the tree in a saddle

[CazD]

I have a beautiful saddle which was checked by two saddle fitters and found to fit OK. Having had the saddle recently checked by a QUALIFIED saddle fitter, he tells me it is too wide.

Sooo, my options are to either buy a replacement saddle or try replacing the tree in the existing saddle. The qualified saddle fitter will only replace trees in saddles purchased from him (it wasnt!)

Is replacing a tree a good idea or would I be better off selling the saddle and buying a replacement

 

[milliepops]

Replacing the tree is likely to be expensive! How much too wide is it? Some trees can be adjusted within reason. What make is your saddle? iirc you will need to get the same make/model tree, and even then you might find that the leather parts of your saddle have taken the shape of the existing tree and might be difficult to make them fit over a new one.

I had a new tree put in my dressage saddle as it broke. I got the tree direct from the manufacturers for about £70 then paid £180 to have it put in. It took ages as they had to stretch the seat etc over the new tree, even though it was the same size.. Might be easier to get a new saddle tbh.

 

[CazD]

Hmm. It sounds like changing the tree might be more trouble than its worth. I had a feeling that might be the case. Maybe I should try ebay for a second hand saddle instead if the cost is going to be that much. The saddle is an Ideal H&C and is extra wide. Saddler says I need a wide fit rather than the extra wide.

 

[milliepops]

Might be worth pursuing for just a bit longer - my jumping saddle is an ideal and I had it widened half a size from med to med-wide. Not sure whether they can make them narrower but worth a phone call - maybe call Ideal themselves?

 

[MarleyandDarcy]

I had a tree changed in a saddle, making it narrower. It cost £100. Turns out it completely didn't fit the horse - so was a complete waste of time and money but it can be done!!