Q: How does an adjustable tree work?

A: The tree of the saddle is essentially its framework, and its purpose is to distribute the weight of the rider evenly over the horse’s back.

Saddle trees were developed more than 2000 years ago, and whilst their role remains the same today, there have (thankfully) been many developments in how they are made and work.

There are three types of adjustable saddle systems: saddles with a gullet system that have metal bars of different widths that are bolted on, saddles with synthetic fibre trees that don’t change over time but can be altered by an expert on an infrared heat bench; and lastly, some saddles are made on a unique adjustable tree, which can be adjusted by a professional on a pressurised machine by one width in either direction of the original width. These systems allow your saddle fitter to adjust the saddle to suit your horse’s shape as it changes.