best over all tree size

[jbird]

Howdy all

I am building a saddle but not for any special horse, what size tree is best for general use

thanks Josh

[jwwright]

Josh, that would depend upon what tree maker you are getting a tree from. All are measured and made a little differently. With the tree maker I am using, a 4" wide or 4 1/4" wide handhole measurement with 90 degree bars will fit alot of horses. JW

[jbird]

It's going to be a bowman tree.

Josh

[jwwright]

Josh, Bowman is a style or shape of the swells............do you mean a Bowden tree? I have not built any saddles on Bowden trees, but quite a few years back I did have a couple of saddles that I used quite a bit that were built on their trees. As I remember, they were 6 1/4" gullet width, and were a decent fit on quite a few horses. JW

[jbird]

LOL I had lint in my brain yes sir a Bowden tree you know I was reeding a saddle book before posting this and had a bunch of stuff swirling around but yes I meant bowden.

Josh

Josh, Bowman is a style or shape of the swells............do you mean a Bowden tree? I have not built any saddles on Bowden trees, but quite a few years back I did have a couple of saddles that I used quite a bit that were built on their trees. As I remember, they were 6 1/4" gullet width, and were a decent fit on quite a few horses. JW