The saddle tree : This element is essential to the creation of a saddle.
The saddle tree is one of the most important components in the manufacture of a saddle. It is the basic structure on which the comfort and safety of both horse and rider depend. The choice of saddle tree is therefore crucial in the manufacture of a suitable saddle. This guide offers you an insight into the world of saddle trees, detailing their function, importance, manufacture, and mechanical behavior.
How are our saddle trees made ?
L’Arçonnerie Française sources the raw material for its saddle trees from Europe's largest beech forests, which are PEFC and FSC certified. These labels guarantee that the forests are managed in an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and responsible manner.
Beech wood was chosen for several of its mechanical properties : its flexibility, robustness, and durability, which make it ideal for creating the best saddles that are comfortable for both horse and rider.
The manufacturing steps :
The operator cuts each element precisely to ensure that the bands fit snugly around the cantle and gullet, creating a robustness saddle tree.
The elements are carefully cut to give each component a unique shape. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, the regular cut makes the work easier for the saddler, who can attach the leather pieces directly without any prior adjustments. The different parts of the saddle tree are ready to be assembled.
Assembly is the stage where the saddle tree really begins to take shape. The gullet, bands, and cantle, cut to the dimensions specified by the customer, are assembled and adjusted one by one to ultimately form a single structure. It is at this point that each saddle tree becomes unique, perfectly adapted to the specific dimensions of each saddler.
Once all the parts have been assembled, the saddle tree is sanded. This step is essential, as it transforms the raw material into its final, custom-made shape. Each surface of the saddle tree is sanded to achieve the necessary flexibility, perfect symmetry, and good balance for both rider and horse. The saddle tree is then customized to fit the horse's back, with a suitable gullet opening and well-adjusted side bands.
After the initial manufacturing stages, each saddle tree is systematically checked one by one, without exception. This step is crucial to ensure that the saddle tree meets the criteria defined in the customer's specifications.
The curves of the saddle tree are also checked to ensure that they are accurate and consistent. Finally, the symmetry of the saddle tree, which must be perfect, is rigorously checked using a laser.
Each saddle tree has a metal structure that is handmade and customized for each model. This reinforcement consists of a collar, bands, and an arch, which are placed on the lower part of the saddle tree and securely fastened. Each piece is then reworked individually to fit the shape of the saddle tree perfectly. The metal fitting stage ends with the addition of stirrup leathers, which add the finishing touch to the saddle tree!
In line with its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, Arçonnerie Française continues its ecological efforts by using cardboard boxes and recycled materials for padding.
What is the mechanical behavior of a saddle tree ?
Pressure evenly distributed across the horse's back
Beech plywood saddle tree
Balance
Saddle tree arch adapted to the morphology of the gullet
Safety stirrup bar. Easy release when needed. Position adapted to each discipline.
Saddle tree size adapted to each saddle. Cantle with customizable shape and angle to prevent any imbalance.
A wooden saddle tree is usually handmade from laminated beech or other types of solid wood. The wood is chosen for its robustness and ability to provide a stable structure. The balance of the saddle tree is essential to avoid any imbalance that could affect the comfort of the rider and the horse. An unbalanced saddle tree can cause pain or injury to both the rider and the animal.
How to choose the right saddle tree for the saddle and rider ?
The choice of saddle tree depends on several factors, such as the horse's morphology, the equestrian discipline practiced, and the rider's preferences. For a saddler, it is essential to understand the different types of saddle trees and know how to adapt them.
Why choose a custom-made saddle tree ?
Choosing the right custom saddle tree is essential to ensuring the comfort and safety of both rider and horse. An ill-fitting saddle tree can cause injury or discomfort. As a saddle maker, you need to understand the different types of saddle trees, how they are made, their mechanical behavior, and their crucial role in the structure of the saddle. A well-chosen wooden or polyurethane saddle tree ensures a perfectly fitted saddle that is tailored to your needs.