What tree?

[rookie]

Well I am starting to get my ducks in a row. I am wanting to build a saddle. I am in the info stage right now. I have found a saddle that I would like to build. The only problem is I don't know what tree the saddle is built on. I am planning on having my tree built by Timberline, brfore I call Timberline and sound like a Gunsel, I was hoping someone could help me identify the tree. The saddle in the picture is from a catalog from Bridger Creek Outfitters in Bozman MT. This catalog is from the 80's. I tried contacting Briger Creek, no longer around. Any help will be appreciated.

-Justin

[jbird]

I would stab at it and say it's a bowman style tree.

Josh

  rookie said:

Well I am starting to get my ducks in a row. I am wanting to build a saddle. I am in the info stage right now. I have found a saddle that I would like to build. The only problem is I don't know what tree the saddle is built on. I am planning on having my tree built by Timberline, brfore I call Timberline and sound like a Gunsel, I was hoping someone could help me identify the tree. The saddle in the picture is from a catalog from Bridger Creek Outfitters in Bozman MT. This catalog is from the 80's. I tried contacting Briger Creek, no longer around. Any help will be appreciated.

-Justin

[Tosch]

Well, the catalogue says Santa Fe tree. So let us assume it is one. Seems like Timberline builds a Santa Fe tree. Scroll a bit down here http://www.sawtoothsaddle.com/saddles.php?cat=Old-Time close to the bottom of the page are 2 saddles said to be built on a Santa Fe tree. Sawtooth saddlery is in the same town as Timberline and they get their trees from Timberline...

Tosch

[rookie]

  Tosch said:

Well, the catalogue says Santa Fe tree. So let us assume it is one. Seems like Timberline builds a Santa Fe tree. Scroll a bit down here http://www.sawtoothsaddle.com/saddles.php?cat=Old-Time close to the bottom of the page are 2 saddles said to be built on a Santa Fe tree. Sawtooth saddlery is in the same town as Timberline and they get their trees from Timberline...

Tosch

I was under the impression that the sante fe had the cut outs on the seat. If I as for a 5" seat with out the cut outs, I am assuming I will get what I want. Is that correct?

[Tosch]

The best advise is - call Timberline and talk to them! They were nice and friendly when I pestered them with my amateuer questions for 2 hours when I stopped by. Just explain what you want and like. Ask for Randy who runs the company, or for Aaron (his brother?) if I remember his name correctly. When I called them before I visited I simply asked to talk to someone knowledgeable about trees - and got to talk to Randy. I assume they are still nice and friendly. Their phone # is 435-789-8228.

Tosch

[rookie]

Thank you for the info.

[oldtimer]

  rookie said:

I was under the impression that the sante fe had the cut outs on the seat. If I as for a 5" seat with out the cut outs, I am assuming I will get what I want. Is that correct?

[/quot

You can order a Santa Fe tree without the hand holes from Timberline,and I think you´ll get what you want.

/ Knut

[MarkB]

  rookie said:

Well I am starting to get my ducks in a row. I am wanting to build a saddle. I am in the info stage right now. I have found a saddle that I would like to build. The only problem is I don't know what tree the saddle is built on. I am planning on having my tree built by Timberline, brfore I call Timberline and sound like a Gunsel, I was hoping someone could help me identify the tree. The saddle in the picture is from a catalog from Bridger Creek Outfitters in Bozman MT. This catalog is from the 80's. I tried contacting Briger Creek, no longer around. Any help will be appreciated.

-Justin

Justin

Timberline makes the trees the way you want them as do most tree makers. if you like that tree that is in the picture if you talk to timberline and give them the information that is with the picture they will be able to make that way. You will only need to figure out the bar type that you need. I'm not a professional but have ordered some trees.

Good Luck with your saddle and hope this helps.

Mark

[rookie]

  MarkB said:

Justin

Timberline makes the trees the way you want them as do most tree makers. if you like that tree that is in the picture if you talk to timberline and give them the information that is with the picture they will be able to make that way. You will only need to figure out the bar type that you need. I'm not a professional but have ordered some trees.

Good Luck with your saddle and hope this helps.

Mark

Mark-Thank you for your reply. Everyone has been a great help. My only question is, if I order the tree and it is not what I wanted do I get to blame all of you. Just kidding. Seriously, you guys have been great, Thank you again for your help.

[nobearsyet]

That is a good looking saddle. Now for my dumb newbie question, aren't all trees the same, I mean other than dimensions, and the way the rider is positioned?

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

Nobearsyet

Nope. Trees vary in just about every way things could vary - materials used, construction techniques, longevity, use. And even within one general classification of tree (ie. rawhide covered wood handmade Western saddle trees) there are multiple things that change in the bars that affect fit, multiple things you can change in the cantle and fork that change the look and all these things can be mixed and matched. The names given to different forks are similar between makers, but nowhere near identical. So the basic idea of a tree is to distribute the rider's weight over a larger surface area for the horse and give more security to the rider, but beyond that, "every tree maker does things differently".

[nobearsyet]

I see, sort of, thanks for the info. With that being said, any suggestions as far as a good tree to build a very bare bones western saddle that would be satisfactory for roping, cutting, trail riding, and general ranch use, at least as far as style, weight, positioning, etc. goes? I was considering one of the Wade type trees on the market, but haven't decided on a maker.