Please explain "Standard Tree "

[buzul]

so i am looking at a number on stirrup bar of a black country dressage saddle ,says BS 6635 and searching the web,find it means “standard tree” .i have a vague idea what a hoop tree is and understand that a standard tree is like an inverted V ( or at least i think so ) but what else is a standard tree ? is it the same as a “classic” tree ? it is flat or is it curved and what type of horse will it fit ?or what other specifications does it have ?

thanks all !

[hsissom]

BS 6635

I found this article helpful:

http://thetackguide.com/saddle-fitting

[Willesdon]

BS = British Standards and 6635 is the number referring to “Manufacture of saddle trees made from wood. Specification” Products are identified as meeting a particular British Standard, which provides a shorthand way of claiming that certain minimum specifications are met in manufacture. They then do not require further certification or independent testing. British standards are gradually being phased out in favour of European Standards (EN)

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

RE: Black Country, the standard tree is the “usual” inverted V. Other options include the Freedom (hoop) (inverted U), denoted by an X on some models… the Show, Frelsi, Dippy and other variations of shape. To know how your tree is shaped, contact Black Country through their website and give them the serial number stamped on the flap.

BC and other saddle companies usually use “standard” to name the tree most often ordered/that fits the broadest range of horses. How that tree is actually shaped varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A little like trying on jeans… a size 8 in one often fits very differently from a size 8 in another.