Wooden tree for dressage saddle

Robustness and lightness

The Dressage saddle from L’Arçonnerie Française is designed to meet the specific requirements of dressage, which demands a rigorous seat and precise contact between rider and horse. Its design, with flexible bandes and a narrow seat, offers optimal support, allowing for great precision in movement. The seat is designed to ensure a stable and balanced position for the rider, which is essential for effective communication with the horse.

Materials and manufacturing

Made from glued laminated beech, this tree combines lightness and robustness. The choice of beech was based on its mechanical strength and ability to retain controlled flexibility, enabling it to accompany the horse's movements while guaranteeing excellent durability. Set-back stirrup bars ensure correct positioning of the rider's legs for stable seating. The gluing and pressing process ensures optimum homogeneity and robustness.

Dimensions and adjustments

Tree dimensions are crucial. The right length, width and twist are essential to guarantee the horse's comfort and the rider's safety.

A range of sizes to suit the majority of equine morphologies, with the possibility of customized adaptations.

The dimensions of the saddle tree must be determined based on the horse’s build. Even with a standard saddle tree, these measurements allow the saddler to select the size and shape best suited to the horse.

As part of a custom project, L’Arçonnerie Française provides a comprehensive, illustrated, and detailed guide to measuring a horse’s back.

Download the horse back measurement guide (PDF)
Download the horse back measurement guide (PDF)

Customization and options

The Dressage saddle tree is available with a range of standard options that can be selected when ordering, allowing the saddle tree to be adapted to the most common requirements while ensuring optimal compatibility with most horses. For more specific requirements, custom options can also be designed on request.

Standard options (available online)

• Garrots : 8.5 or 10

• Arch : standard, open, or closed

• Open gullet : the gullet opening is enlarged by 10 mm

• Cantle : high for a deep seat, low for a semi-deep seat

• Stirrup bars : models PE20 (standard), PE22 (safety levers mounted on a bracket), PE30 (safety levers)

These configurations cover most of the needs of saddle makers and result in a perfectly functional saddle tree that is ready to be incorporated into the manufacture of a saddle.

Custom options (available upon request via the contact form)

• Custom dimensions, made according to measurements taken by the saddler.

• Flat bands, suitable for a flat back.

• Custom-made cantle, crafted according to the saddler's specifications

Recommendations for use

The Dressage saddle tree, made of laminated wood, offers excellent structural stability. To preserve its qualities over time, it is recommended to store it in an environment with constant temperature and humidity. As with any natural material, paying particular attention to exposure to water and extreme weather conditions will ensure its longevity.

The adjustment must be carried out carefully, and the type of saddle envisaged and its use (intensive work, competition, leisure) are also factors to be taken into account.

Historical background and know-how

Dressage, an ancient and codified equestrian practice, has always required adapted equipment, offering both stability and precision. The Dressage tree is the heir to French traditions, modernized by the integration of contemporary materials and processes, while retaining rigorous craftsmanship. This alliance guarantees top-of-the-range quality recognized by professionals in the trade.

Conclusion

Robustness, precise and customizable, the Dressage tree is an ideal base for saddlers wishing to design saddles adapted to the high demands of the discipline. Its balance between comfort and solidity makes it a must-have for all saddle makers.

Handcrafted products

  Made-to-measure and 100% French. Handcrafted in our own workshop, each tree is adjusted according to the saddler's precise requirements. L'Arçonnerie Française guarantees quality craftsmanship for top-of-the-range dressage saddles in the French saddlery tradition.