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A saddle with a replaceable tree always fits, right?

A frequently asked question from customers is whether a saddle with a replaceable tree is not better, because this saddle can always be made to fit. Is this true? Saddle fitter Sybren tells.

When we talk about fitting a saddle to a horse, many people think about determining the tree width. Narrow, wide, extra wide… However, the broom width is only one part of fitting a saddle. Other factors that play a role are the length of the saddle, the tree shape, the type of tree and the panels.

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Tree width

When a saddle has become too wide or too narrow, the question is whether changing the tree will make the saddle fit again. When changing the tree to a wider or narrower version, you do not change the tree shape, but the tree width. So to know whether widening or narrowing the gullet will be successful, we first need to know where on the horse's back the saddle has become wider or narrower.

Changing the saddle tree width does not always have to be successful. We will give you some examples.

Tree shape

In general, saddles are divided between two tree shapes: the U-tree and the V-tree. The tricky thing is that not all saddle brands are equally clear about the type of tree and you have to rely on the knowledge of the seller or saddle fitter.

The difference between these different trees is in the rounding at the top of the tree: a U-tree gives more space around the withers than a V-tree. In addition, there is also the baroque tree that is very flat at the top. The height of the withers and musculature determines which type of tree fits best.

Saddle length

Changing the tree does not change the length of the saddle. So if you have a new horse, it does not mean that the saddle can be made to fit the new horse by changing the tree width. A saddle that is too long remains a saddle that is too long.

Type of saddle tree

The saddle tree is the skeleton of the saddle, and has a specific shape, intended for a certain type of horse. For example, one tree is more suitable for downhill horses and another more suitable for uphill horses. There are saddle trees that are suitable for a back with more arch and trees that are slightly more suitable for a straighter back. Changing the tree width obviously does not affect the shape in length. This must be taken into account when fitting a saddle.

Panel

Each saddle model has a unique panel. This is the soft bottom of the saddle and is also called the cushion. The saddle tree in cooperation with the panel determines the pressure distribution of the saddle on the horse's back. Panels are usually filled with sheep's wool, synthetic wool, sometimes with air and there are even saddle brands that use foam. Each type of filling has its own advantages and disadvantages. By changing the tree width, the horizontal pressure distribution (from front to back) on the horse changes, but the lateral pressure distribution (from left to right) changes little.

So, is a removable tree better?

As you have read, there are more factors that determine the fit of the horse than just the width of the gullet. By choosing a saddle with an interchangeable tree in a model that fits your horse, there is a greater chance that the saddle will fit remains suitable for this horse for longer, provided that the shape of the withers does not really change.

Using a saddle with a changeable tree on a different horse than the one it was originally intended for is less likely to work. Back shape and length play an important role in this.

Finally, I would like to mention that it is important to consider the reason why a tree should be wider or narrower. Does this have to do with the season, growth in development, or with the horse becoming too fat or too thin? Anything that has “too” in front of it is not good. By managing your horse in both nutrition and training, it is possible to keep the width stable. This means that a saddle with a non-adjustable tree can always be made to fit by adjusting the wool filling.

Do you also want a tailor-made saddle for your horse and for you?

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Gerda the Great

I've been a fan from day one and have been riding the great Fryso saddles for almost 15 years! The fitting and filling service is great. When in doubt, they will come right away.

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  • Name: Gerda the Great
  • Location: Bakehouses
  • Highest level ridden: ZZ-Light
  • Saddle type: Freeze Comfort

Denise Speelpenning

Denise Speelpenning Homepage > > Denise Speelpenning Previous Next Share: Review I always enjoy riding! In 2006 I first came into contact with Fryso saddles and since then I have always enjoyed riding. Together with my parents I have a small-scale breeding farm for Frisian horses in Rockanje and I ride... Read the whole review
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Stable Chardon

We choose Fryso saddles because it is made to measure and with expert advice. The saddles are suitable for various levels and the horses run well with the Fryso saddles.

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  • Name: Stable Chardon
  • Location: Jorwert
  • Highest level ridden:
  • Saddle type: Freeze Comfort

Stall Tunxdorf

I have always dreamed of a Fryso saddle. And I even became first through the Fryso Legato.

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  • Name: Remona van Maurik
  • Location: Upper Lions
  • Highest level ridden: M2
  • Saddle type: Legato

Wildcroft Friesian & Baroque Pinto Stud

I am very happy with the shape of the saddle the quality of the leather and the semi deep seat it provides to the rider.

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  • Name: Grace Lammers
  • Location: Australia
  • Highest level ridden:
  • Saddle type: several

Stable de Weidhoeve & Jelle ter Weide

As the Weidhoeve stable, we use quality products from Fryso and Tweespan.

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  • Name: Jelle ter Weide
  • Location: Tjerkwerd
  • Highest level ridden:
  • Saddle type: Fryso saddles

Helen de Haas

My horse can move well in the saddle because the shoulders are free. I never want another saddle again!

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  • Name: Wendy Stalls
  • Location: Ospeldijk
  • Highest level ridden: Z2
  • Saddle type: Friesland Square

Sigrid Seebacher

Here is my Barockpinto Stallion Johannes BP09 with his Fryso Comfort!
I really love that saddle and never would like to have another one.

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  • Name: Sigrid Seebacher
  • Location: Austria
  • Highest level ridden: -
  • Saddle type: Freeze Comfort

Anne Wientjes

All Fryso saddles are of super quality and they are very comfortable. Fryso itself also has a top service. They come especially from the north of the country to the south of the country for (semi) annual filling.

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  • Name: Anneke van den Branden-Wientjes
  • Location: Bergeijk
  • Highest level ridden: Z1 dressage
  • Saddle type: Fryso Expression

Lora Burger

A suitable saddle is very important. On advice we bought a new Fryso saddle. Our horse immediately started to finish her movements better. I would recommend both the filling service and the fitting service for a new saddle, they are real professionals, come from the sport themselves and see very well what the horse and rider needs.

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  • Name: Lora Burger
  • Location: Purmer
  • Highest level ridden:
  • Saddle type: Fryso Comfort AE Special
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Demi van Nispen

With the fryso saddle I have found my perfect saddle! The saddle fits well on both of my Friesians and I have sufficient stability on the saddle.

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  • Name: Demi van Nispen
  • Location: Aalsmeer
  • Highest level ridden:
  • Saddle type: Fryso Expression

Marsha Dijkman-de Vries

Through a number of adjustments that were specifically aimed at me and my horses, I have obtained my ultimate saddle that ensures better sports performance. The saddles helped to optimize my posture.

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  • Name: Marsja Dijkman-de Vries
  • Location: pingjum
  • Highest level ridden: Grand Prix Model
  • Saddle type: Fryso Comfort AE Special

Karlijn van Vugt & Equestrian Center Eelde

The Fryso saddles ensure optimum shoulder free riding, which is necessarily for our development.

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  • Name: Karlin van Vugt
  • Location: Eelde
  • Highest level ridden: light tour
  • Saddle type: Fryso Comfort AE Special

Willem Joëzer de Jong

Since I ride many different types of horses, including KWPN, Fries, Barock Pinto, Oldenburger and harness horses, I was looking for a saddle that suited me but also my horses.

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  • Name: Henry Roffel
  • Location: Tijnje
  • Highest level ridden: Grand Prix
  • Saddle type: Fryso Expression

Esther Hoekstra

Fryso's service is really fantastic, they think along with you and look at the rider's wishes. In addition, they have a lot of expertise and the horse is also central

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  • Name: Esther Hoekstra
  • Location: Kollumerzwaag
  • Highest level ridden: ZZ-Heavy / 135cm
  • Saddle type: Comfort AE Special / Jump

Jettie Rust

Ever since I was little I wanted a Fryso saddle, after my accident in 2012 I wanted to ride again but I couldn't ride a “normal” saddle anymore.

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  • Name: Jettie Rust
  • Location: -
  • Highest level ridden: -
  • Saddle type: -

Marjan Schalekamp

I just don't want to lose it anymore. This saddle is also very suitable for my KWPNers!

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  • Name: Marjan Schalekamp
  • Location: Northwold
  • Highest level ridden: Grand Prix
  • Saddle type: Fryso Comfort AE Special

Stable Henswoude

The Fryso Comfort is very suitable for my stallions and training horses.

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  • Name: Stable Henswoude
  • Location: Aldeboarn
  • Highest level ridden:
  • Saddle type: Freeze Comfort

Linda van der Heide – Ernst

I am the lucky winner of the Fryso Saddle via the Bit contest. Coincidentally I had just bought a new horse (a 3 year old Westpoint).

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  • Name: Linda van der Heide - Ernst
  • Location: -
  • Highest level ridden: -
  • Saddle type: Fryso Devotion

Leonie Evink

I was looking for a saddle that was comfortable and also offered me strength. In addition to my wishes, the saddle also had to fit my horse well. Ezelien then pointed me to the Fryso saddle, and since then I don't want anything else.

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  • Name: Leonie Evink
  • Location: Aldeboarn
  • Highest level ridden: Intermediate I
  • Saddle type: Freeze Comfort

Our Saddle Specialists

Sybren Minkema

Active in dressage and harness sport with Friesian horses. Specialized in measuring (Fryso) saddles.

Emma Spoelstra – Kingma

Active in dressage sport (KWPN and Friesian). Specialized in (Fryso) saddle filling, saddle repair, Bit and Bridle fitter and measuring De Niro riding boots.

Mariana Raven

Active in show jumping and dressage sport (KWPN). Specialized in filling and repairing (Fryso) saddles.

Elzelien Renssen

Active in the breeding of Friesian horses.

Rianne de Jong – Struijs

Active in dressage sport. Specialized in selling equestrian articles, webshop management, Social Media, customer contact and measuring De Niro riding boots.

Meinie Kampen

Active in dressage sport. Tweespan shop and webshop, advice and sales employee, Social Media and tailoring De Niro riding boots.

Anna Maaike Fokkema

Anna Maaike has worked with Friesian horses for years, now she rides and drives with her harness. Specialized in saddle padding and repair.

Marrit de Vries

Marrit is active in dressage with both Friesian horses and KWPN horses. Specialized in saddle padding and repair.