stef73433 Report post Posted April 9, 2013 This tree fits him pretty good, but a little too much rock.would you add leather to bottom of bars before starting, or leave it with the rock? I have more pics if needed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOB BRENNER Report post Posted April 10, 2013 From time to time one can add leather shims to the bottom of the bars. I have done this on saddles that have already been built to solve a problem. I am not a fan of doing this on a bare tree. I think the tree should fit prior to building the saddle. If one were to add shims to the bare tree, you are building in a manufacturing defect. The tree pictured does not fit the horse at all. The gullet looks a little to wide causing the tree to run downhill and along with too much rock that is causing the back of the bars to tip up. Also, I think the angle may be too flat as indicated by the open area at the bottom of the front bar pad. I feel that there is way to much void to be filled in that you will cause more problems than you solve. I know you do not want to hear this but I would not build a saddle with this tree on this horse. Sorry, Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BondoBobCustomSaddles Report post Posted April 10, 2013 After looking at the pics, I have to say that , I guess most Bob's think alike. It appears to me that Bob's comments are spot on. Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stef73433 Report post Posted April 10, 2013 I feel like i am at somewhat of a loss when it comes to this horse. Be it a saddle or tree, he is darn near impossible to fit. he is narrow in the wither/guller area of his back, but then he has real protruding shoulder blades. If I go narrower in the gullet area, then the bars seem to really dig in to his shoulders. I have tried numerous saddles and struggle. This particular tree has decent flair to it (i think).. not sure how much more a person could do? I do have another horse who the tree does sit better on, but he also has a much nicer back to work with. My original plan for this grey horse was just to go treeless to avoid this very struggle. Maybe i should revert back to that idea? Obviosuly i am gree, so please explain to me why adding leather to the bottom would be a bad idea? I got the idea from Stohlmen books and I thought those were pretty reputable? PLease educate me. I want to learn things the correct way when possible. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stef73433 Report post Posted April 11, 2013 I had time, thought more pics might help explain.my finger marks the back of shoulder blade add a reference point Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yoboverthetop Report post Posted April 27, 2013 Bob's comments make sense to me too. I would wager that if you shimmed that tree up at the back, it would further exaggerate the problem areas of the fit. I could really seeing the front of the bars digging into that horse's shoulder. A narrower gullet with a bit more flare at the front of those bars and it'd be a better fit. Have you seen Rod and Denise Nikkel's page on 'Measuring Horses for Fit'? I think their trees run about $600, which is probably not the cheapest option around. But, if you're having a bit of trouble finding something for this horse, I suspect you could take your measurements to Rod and he'd make a really nice tree for you. http://bit.ly/ZThfR0 BTW, I like your grey horse. Nice red dog too. 8-) Good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stef73433 Report post Posted April 27, 2013 Thanks for the input! Yeah, he's a pretty nice stick to have around Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
