Kieffer tree alterations

[SpottedCat]

Has anyone sent a saddle back to kieffer to get it altered? I know the trees are fully adjustable, just want to know people's experiences really.

Trying to decide whether to get mine reflocked and the tree altered or whether to sell it and get something else entirely.

 

[CBAnglo]

I havet myself (as I have Saddle Company saddles that I adjust myself onsite) but I know that it can be done at the factory.

However, the tree should only be adjusted if your horse has truly changed shape and now it it too narrow/wide. It really is independent of the flocking which should be redone when it is required and not just to make the saddle fit.

 

[SpottedCat]

I can't ride in SC dressage saddles, they put me in a god-awful position - shame as I think they are good for the horse, but they don't suit the serious competitor IMO.

I know the tree is independent of the flocking, this is more an issue of whether the horse is M or NM - in the past I've been told M as I have to use a sheepskin half pad, now I'm being told NM regardless of half pad.

 

[Gamebird]

Yes!! (well, sort of). The tree on my Kieffer GP mysteriously broke about 5 years after I bought it. I rang the company who said that the trees were guaranteed for 5 years and they would fix it for me. Couldn't find a receipt or date of purchase for it anywhere (not a surprise really after all that time!) but they never asked for proof of when or where I bought it. My local saddler (not the one I bought it from) sent it to kieffer in Germany and they put a new tree in, new stirrup bars on, new girth straps and girth guards. They sent it back all shiny in a posh purple and gold velvet saddle cover. All of this, even postage, was totally free!

What nice people, eh?

 

[kerilli]

SC, my saddler said he would never put less than a M on any horse, even a Narrow one (which my mare is), fwiw. too restrictive across the front if NM or N apparently.

 

[CBAnglo]

When was the last time the saddle was reflocked? Did a saddler tell you that the tree needed to be adjusted? In which case, they should be able to send the saddle to the factory and they will adjust it for you to the width specified by the saddler.

I ride one of mine in a sheepskin halfpad and it does affect the fit of the saddle - about half a size but I change my sheepskin quite regularly so it doesnt "bed down". Therefore if someone has told you that your horse is now a NM regardless of halfpad then I would get a second opinion. If they are saying that the saddle now is too wide, I am not sure adjusting the flocking will solve the problem as usually the flocking is adjusted because it has gone flat/uneven and not because the saddle now needs to be widened.

 

[zoesophie]

I had the tree in my kieffer changed and it was sent back to germany. When we got my chap he was very underweight and undermuscled, this was part of the reason we got the kieffer so we would only have to change the tree rather than get a new saddle. They were very good but it was my saddler I took issue with

 

[miller]

Yes - OH has had both dressage and jumping adjusted by Kieffer in Corby - just ook them over with template x 5 from withers to back of seat along with very good photos - week later saddle back and fits perfectly - double checked by brilliant saddler

 

[kick_On]

I would be inclined not to mess around with changing tree, but see what advise saddler gives you. And investigate whether they would do any exchange for better fit for their stock? as you have a good make
If your using same folks as me (think you are), you'll get very good independant advice.
They were brilliant and knowledgeable ........... and just soo good with horses

 

[CBAnglo]

[ QUOTE ]
SC, my saddler said he would never put less than a M on any horse, even a Narrow one (which my mare is), fwiw. too restrictive across the front if NM or N apparently.

[/ QUOTE ]

I also agree with this - if the horse is a narrow then it must have some serious muscles wastage.

 

[CBAnglo]

I meant that to read, if a narrow wasnt restrictive it must have serious muscle wastage and not that a narrow horse has serious muscle wastage!

 

[Nosey]

Saddler altered my Kieffer tree when I changed horse and was a lot cheaper than buying a new saddle. I was so lucky it fitted with this slight adjustment. Certains saddlers have the machine or whatever to alter a Kieffer - mine was done by Frogpool where I had bought it from. I was told it couldn't be endlessly adjusted 3/4 X I think they said.

 

[Coffee_Bean]

Wow never knew that keiffers were adjustable, do you think old ones are?? I *think* mine is about 7+ years old (second hand)....?

 

[Drummer]

My Albion has been taken away today for a tree alteration. Horse gone from xw to mw and no longer needs a hooped tree so fingers crossed for a succesful alteration. I feel lost cannot believe I am going to be without it

 

[pootler]

I have a Kieffer GP and a dressage saddle, I have had both altered a number of times without any problems by 2 different local saddlers. I have seen the equipment they use, it heats up the tree which can then be moulded to size. Frogpool and Saddle World in Kent do it themselves.