How to tell the difference between a broken tree and a spring or flex tree?

[Curbstrap2]

Ok, I'm on the big screen and I'm caffiened up.

Another sign it is Indian/Pakistani is the leather on the flap. See how it has little dimples (sort of like you would see on pig skin). This is common on these saddles. Remember cows are sacred so who knows what they use. Water buffalo maybe?????

Yes, I agree with you. Funny thing is that it doesn't have that Made in India "smell".

I spoke to the seller and it turns out she bought it at an estate sale. No info, no history and she is not a rider and has no idea about saddles at all. Fortunately ,she said she would take it back if the tree is broken.

I think it is. I am going to take it to a local saddler just to be sure.

[barra]

They will be able to easily tell if it is in fact broken.

Barra

[Curbstrap2]

They will be able to easily tell if it is in fact broken.

Barra

Thanks again for your help with the 'investigation'. I'll let you know what the final outcome. Even if it turns out the the tree is not broken, I won't keep it. I won't have an Asian made saddle in the barn!!!

[Traveller]

Hi Curbstrap2,

I did a lot of research into Aussie saddles a few years ago and it turns out that there are only a few good, production-line brands, along with any number of small, independent makers (some of which are on this forum), and all of them proudly display their names.

The good production lines I discovered include Syd Hill and Toowoomba (which, if I understand correctly, are now the same company), Trevor James and Porter Saddles. (If anyone knows of any other good Australian saddle production lines, I'd love to add to my very short list!)

Most of the Aussie saddles that make it to North America are the Asian-made ones, and they give Aussie saddles a bad name. They don't fit well, they don't last long, and they're uncomfortable to sit in.

My guess would be that, without a prominent saddle maker's mark, your saddle almost certainly came from Asia. And with the big movement you're getting out of the tree, even if it isn't broken, I personally wouldn't put it on a horse.

It sounds like the seller is a good person for offering to take it back!

[Curbstrap2]

Hi Curbstrap2,

I did a lot of research into Aussie saddles a few years ago and it turns out that there are only a few good, production-line brands, along with any number of small, independent makers (some of which are on this forum), and all of them proudly display their names.

The good production lines I discovered include Syd Hill and Toowoomba (which, if I understand correctly, are now the same company), Trevor James and Porter Saddles. (If anyone knows of any other good Australian saddle production lines, I'd love to add to my very short list!)

Most of the Aussie saddles that make it to North America are the Asian-made ones, and they give Aussie saddles a bad name. They don't fit well, they don't last long, and they're uncomfortable to sit in.

My guess would be that, without a prominent saddle maker's mark, your saddle almost certainly came from Asia. And with the big movement you're getting out of the tree, even if it isn't broken, I personally wouldn't put it on a horse.

It sounds like the seller is a good person for offering to take it back!

Hi - Thanks for your input. I bought this one off of EBay because I was looking for paddock slammer. Something to break colts with and not have to use one of my good saddles. I got this one cheap, but I won't use it or keep it at this point. I have a beautiful Australian made Stock saddle from Bates. It's a shame this one didn't work out because I wouldn't have a heart attack if a horse went over on it. I guess my search continues....lol!