Changing Prestige Tree

[KandC]

I’m thinking of mailing off my Prestige saddle to have the tree widened over Christmas Break for my soon-to-be lease horse. Horse it was previously fitted for has since retired and is no longer being ridden. It’s a 34 cm tree, and I’ll need it widened to 36 cm (to quote Sir Mix-A-Lot: I like 'em round and big!). I plan on using VTO Saddlery or Dover.

I figure I have the money to spare to adjust a tree and if that brings it to an almost perfect fit, well, hooray!

Has anyone ridden in a 36 cm tree Prestige? How does it compare to a 34 cm or smaller tree? How much was shipping/the adjustment? How do I even ship it? How long did it take? Do they repair leather defects as well?

Sorry for all the questions- obviously VTO and Dover will get hounded as well in the next week.

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

I’ve had a Prestige tree widened by VTO. Cost was $150, which included shipping back to me. Took about 5 days there and back. I didn’t need any repairs, so can’t comment on that.

Unless you’re really sensitive, you’re not going to notice much difference by going up two sizes.

Ship it in a thick-sided cardboard box just big enough for the saddle. Wrap it in bubble wrap to keep it from rubbing. Find a chunk of foam to pad the bottom. No peanuts.

[purplnurpl]

Have you talked to VTO about it?

They say you can open up the trees 2-2.5 cm but I remember having a little glitch when getting as wide as 36cm. That measurement is getting towards hoop tree Tati’s and their trees don’t support the shape… You have to actually buy it in that size…
But from what I remember you can’t buy them in that size.

Something crazy like that.
Don’t quote me!

Give VTO a call. Paul will fill you in.