Would You Add Leather To Bottom Of Bars?

[stef73433]

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

[BOB BRENNER]

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

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

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

[stef73433]

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.

[stef73433]

I had time, thought more pics might help explain.my finger marks the back of shoulder blade add a reference point

[yoboverthetop]

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.

[stef73433]

Thanks for the input! Yeah, he's a pretty nice stick to have around