The front of any saddle tree has a steep angle to fit over the horse’s withers, while the back of the tree has a flatter angle to accom- modate a horse’s back. The twist occurs where the bars of the tree “twist” to form the transition between the front and back of the tree. Typically you will see the flap style (shown above) listed after a Stubben saddles name, but you may also see: CS- Half deep, slightly wider seat, square cantle, forward flap, front block. Rear block is optional II- Flat seat, square cantle, forward flap, front and/or rear block options.
FAQ Frequently Asked Saddle Fitting Questions Q: Why do you want me to send a template/tracing?A: There are several reasons. First, we want to save you as much time, money and frustration as we possibly can. An accurate tracing can tell us exactly what width you’ll need in any given saddle, and also tell us what tree shape and panel configuration will be your best bets.
Because there’s little standardization in tree width (even among saddles measured in cm.), one saddle’s measurement of “wide” might be a med-wide or even an x-wide by another saddle’s standards so saying, “My horse needs a wide tree” or “My horse needs a 34 cm. Tree” can be open to a lot of interpretation. A tracing certainly isn’t a substitute for trying a saddle, but it can tell us which saddles are worth shipping and which aren’t; instead of sending you two or 3 saddles of a certain size (since each will probably all measure differently), we can send you two or 3 saddles that, according to your tracing, have a good chance of fitting.Second, we want – and need – to have you involved in this process. You know when you’re comfortable in a saddle, and we’d bet that you know when your horse is happy as well. If you try a saddle that isn’t quite right, your feedback will be invaluable in choosing another saddle for trial. If you tell us the wide tree Quantum seemed a good fit for your high-withered Thoroughbred but just seemed to sit a little too close to the wither, you might want to try one with a wither gusset or a trapezius or K panel.
If the Eden seemed to rock a bit front-to-back, an Eloquence might be a better choice. If you liked the way the Duett Fidelio sat on your horse, but it didn’t quite feel right for you, we might suggest trying a Passier with the Freedom Panels.Finally, we believe you’ll find that being involved in the whole process is a great learning experience, and will help you when you’re working with the saddle fitter or if you ever need to shop for saddles again.Q: Why do I have to send three tracings? Can’t I just do a tracing of the withers?A: We ask for the three measurements so we can make a more comprehensive recommendation based on the conformation of your horse’s whole back. If we just have the wither template, we can tell what tree width you horse needs, and maybe make recommendations regarding the configuration of the front of the panels, but that’s only part of the overall picture. Here’s what the different measurements tell us:THE FIRST TRACING (3 FINGERS’ WIDTH BEHIND REAR EDGE OF SCAPULA): This tracing corresponds to where the tree points will lie, and tells us what tree width you’ll need. It’s also helpful in determining if you’ll need a standard tree or a hoop tree, and what – if any – modifications (wither gussets, dropped panel, etc.) you will need in the front of the panels.THE SECOND TRACING (LOWEST POINT ON THE BACK): This measurement tells us what panel configuration will work best.
If your horse has a broad, flat back, we might recommend a saddle with a shallower gusset; if your horse is “roof backed” (think of an inverted “V”), a plain panel might work best.THE THIRD TRACING (TOPLINE): This tracing tells us what tree shape and panel depth / configuration will work best. If your horse has a very low wither and is pretty flat front-to-back, a flatter tree and perhaps a shallower gusset might be best. If your horse has very high withers and a dropped, dippy back, a curved tree and a deeper gusset would be a better choice.Q: I have a saddle on trial from you, but it doesn’t fit my horse. Why do you want to see photos?A: Seeing how a particular saddle fits (or doesn’t!) can give us a good idea of what other saddles would be worth trying, and which wouldn’t. While no two saddles fit exactly the same, we can often make some generalizations regarding fit. For example, if the tree in the Black Country Eden is too curved for your horse’s back and makes the saddle rock front-to-back on your horse, we know we need to send you a saddle with a flatter tree, like a Baines Elegance, Black Country Eloquence or Quantum X, or Duett Largo. On the other hand, if an Eloquence bridges on your horse, we need to look for a saddle with a curved tree, like the Eden, the Baines Reflex or Enduro, or the Arthur Kottas Imperial.Photos can tell how a saddle is fitting you, as well.
We can make recommendations regarding seat size and flap length, and offer thoughts on what will make you comfortable, too.Q: Do I really have to have the fit of my new saddle checked after only a couple months?A: For foam-flocked saddles, probably not (unless your horse’s back has changed somehow, or unless you notice a change in balance, clearance, or your horse’s way of going). But for wool-flocked saddles, definitely. Saddles with wool flocking will settle and conform to your horse’s back after about 20 hours of riding. Some of the more softly-flocked saddles, like the Black Countrys and Frank Baines, may need to be looked at sooner.
If you notice any of the changes mentioned above, please don’t wait to have the fit assessed and adjusted as necessary.Q: Which is better – foam or wool flocking?A: Both have advantages, and both have disadvantages. We are happy to announce that we do saddle fitting on site and off and have access to an indoor arena.We are also doing flocking adjustments, strip flocks, billet work, various repairs, widening and narrowing.physical location of the shop is in PittsfordOur address is:2046 US Route 7Pittsford, VT 05763Our website and toll free number remains the same. 800-442-9672Local number: 802-483-9511Our fax number will now be 802-483-9513. Hours will remain the same 11am-4:30 M-F, Sat 11-4:00, Sun.Recent Articles.
Shipping to the 48 Contiguous U.S. States MethodUnder $75Over $75DetailsLow Weight Economy Shipping$4.95FREEOrder arrives 7-10 business days from shipment date depending on receipt location (in the 48 states and does not include oversized items). In stock orders typically ship within 24-48 hours of the order being placed.
This option is only available on orders which weigh less than 0.9 lbs.Standard$7.95FREEOrder arrives 6-9 business days from shipment date depending on receipt location (in the 48 states and does not include oversized items). In stock orders typically ship within 24-48 hours of the order being placed.Guaranteed 3-business day$19.95$12.00Orders are prioritized to arrive within 3 business days if the order is placed by 1pm ET.
Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.Guaranteed 2-business day$24.95$17.00Orders are prioritized to arrive within 2 business days if the order is placed by 1pm ET.
Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.Guaranteed Next business day$34.95$27.00Orders are prioritized to arrive on the next business day if the order is placed by 1pm ET. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.Guaranteed Next Day Saturday$49.95$42.00Orders are prioritized to arrive on Saturday if the order is placed by 1pm ET on Friday. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.Over-sized Items: Free standard shipping to the contiguous 48 states, applies to items FedEx deems “normal & customary” in size and weight.
Large, bulky, or odd-shaped items may be subject to FedEx Oversize/Overweight charges.“Business days” = Monday – FridayWhen calculating shipping time, please use the next business day to start the clock for all orders received AFTER 1p ET. Shipping to AK, HI, PR and VIShipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands ship via FedEx where service is available. Now offering 2 Business Day and Next Business Day shipping options. For questions please call or us for a shipping quote.
Ship MethodUnder $75Over $75DetailsStandard$24.95$17.00Order arrives 6-9 business days (Monday-Friday) from shipment date depending on receipt location. These orders typically ship within 24-48 hours of the order being placed.Guaranteed 2 Business Days$44.95$37.00Orders are prioritized to arrive within 2 business days (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 1pm ET. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.Guaranteed Next Business Day$54.95$47.00Orders are prioritized to arrive on the next business day (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 1pm ET. Not available for shipments to P.O. The Easiest and Best Guarantee in The BusinessShop with 100% confidence at Dover Saddlery. If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function.
PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only.
For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris. For our full Return Policy.