December 09, 2004

By: Sandra Geldart
Website: http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com

Saddle trees - Showing some backbone

Saddle trees are essentially the backbone or skeleton of a saddle. It is the saddle tree that the rest of the saddle is built around. Traditionally the saddle trees were made of solid wood pieces, hand carved and specially made for each saddle.

While some saddle makers still use wooden saddle trees, many have changed over to the lighter and more economical fiberglass models. There has also been the start of a movement towards saddles with no tree, or “treeless” saddles, but it remains to be seen if this will prove to be the wave of the future, or simply a trend.

There will always be the need for saddle trees, especially for models such as roping saddles that require the strength to hold a large calf. As technology advances over the decades, it is surprising how little the saddle trees have really changed.

About The Author:

Sandra Geldart is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com.  With a degree in Equine Science Technology, Sandra brings you 27 years experience working with horses including showing horses and barrel racing.