Novice Tree Shopper..need Help

[stef73433]

I have looked at a few companies to order a tree from.precision,bowden, and Steele (not the flex tree).anyone have any input or recommendations between them? I'm making the saddle for my horse that can be harder to fit, so ordering the tree that fits him best would be a priority.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

I have used both Precision and Bowden. Can't say that I have seen much of a difference in them. I personally use Bowden, David Bowden makes all the special order ones and as of yet I have never been unhappy with his work. If you are looking for a step above, then you should try Rod Nickkels, his work is first rate.

Bob

[stef73433]

Thanks.I have looked at Nikkels, but for first time,I don't want to spend that kind of money.

[oltoot]

Bondo Bob spoke well but I'm going to go a little further. I use Quality Mfg from Monticello, Ut but that's not the essence of my reply. When somebody wants a saddle to fit a particular horse, I usually refuse to go there. I make saddles to last ~ 40 to life and the saddle fit stable part of most horses' lives is 10-15 years at most with some changing even seasonaly. With today's selection of high quality pads, my advice is to pick a type of horse to 'fit' and build for that, changing pad configurations if necessary, perhaps even having a pad or pads for every horse throughout the life of the saddle. Having said that, tree 'quality' is basically symmetry, smoothness, and the rather subjective factor of the motivation of the maker. Good luck in finding the one that suits you. One caveat: though the adage you get what you pay for is somewhat true, it aint necessarily 100% so with trees. You will still have to do some thinking.

[JinxedDream]

Bondo Bob spoke well but I'm going to go a little further. I use Quality Mfg from Monticello, Ut but that's not the essence of my reply. When somebody wants a saddle to fit a particular horse, I usually refuse to go there. I make saddles to last ~ 40 to life and the saddle fit stable part of most horses' lives is 10-15 years at most with some changing even seasonaly. With today's selection of high quality pads, my advice is to pick a type of horse to 'fit' and build for that, changing pad configurations if necessary, perhaps even having a pad or pads for every horse throughout the life of the saddle. Having said that, tree 'quality' is basically symmetry, smoothness, and the rather subjective factor of the motivation of the maker. Good luck in finding the one that suits you. One caveat: though the adage you get what you pay for is somewhat true, it aint necessarily 100% so with trees. You will still have to do some thinking.

Was going to agree with this. More and more people are trying to find an ultimate "perfect" fit for their horse. In my case, I switch horses more often than I switch saddles. I've actually sold horses that didn't fit the saddles I had. Why? Horses are cheap, saddles aren't. So like oltoot said, pick a "type" of horse you most commonly ride and start there.

There is also the Chicago Saddle Tree Co and Double H Ranch Saddle Shop.