Has anyone bought a saddle with a Hennig tree? are they really as adjustable as claimed?
I had wanted to buy Dani a custom saddle, but until the Canadian dollar picks up, that may not be feasible. Reconsidering used options.
I contacted Skylands Saddlery recently about this very question, as they are the go-to source for Hennigs. This is what I got back:
“Hennigs can be adjusted from Narrow to Extra Wide and back without any problems. The integrity of the tree or gullet is not compromised by the number of adjustments. Of course, you don’t want to adjust the tree every other day, but normal maintenance and saddle fittings (2x year) should be just fine and the saddle should last throughout its life without issues.”
I purchased a Sofa that is currently about a MW and will be sending it to Skylands to get widened for my horse.
I bought an older Schleese JES Elite which has a Hennig tree. I believe that Schleese serial numbers that start with H are Hennigs. Bakers Saddlery near Stouffville Ontario tends to have a large selection of consignment saddles including Schleese.
I also have a Schleese CHB with a Hennig tree. It has the “H” in the serial # and is for sale! Pm me if you are interested.
I have had this discussion with SMS master saddlers concerning saddle widening and narrowing not just relative to that particular tree. They felt that any metal that is bent back and forth repeatedly is weakened to some extent.
I “had” a Schleese CHB which was on a Hennig tree. Very lovely saddle but needed adjustment. My fitter adjusted it correctly for my horse although she admittedly said I will not guarantee the tree if something happens. Like jaybird660 said, the metal will weaken over time. Mine was fine but the fitter warned me about it and she is a Schleese rep. Good luck; this isn’t meant to scare you but to educate you.
I’ve had two and had them adjusted a few times with no problems at all.
If you need a narrower tree, I have a Hennig for sale (found a better fit for me). PM for details and pictures if you are interested
