Saddle Help ........ Got a Question.....

[JRT_Appy]

Ok.
So I am in the market looking for a new / used Saddle. I have talked to a seller and she asked me what measurements I need from " DOT to DOT"…

I need a Wide Tree . So am I correct that it must be 5"inches to be considered a Wide ?

Please advise , any suggestions or any help you guys can offer .

Thanks …

[lmlacross]

Different brands’ “wides” fit differently and often also measure significantly differently from dot to dot. Before buying my current saddle (a “wide” that’s 4.5" dot to dot), I had another “wide” and a “medium-wide” out on trial-- they were 5.25 and 5.0 respectively. Each was a different brand.

If you’re not working with a fitter, your best bet (if you can) is to try a few from around the barn on your horse, see what works (with a knowledgable eye to assist, if needed), measure that saddle dot to dot, and go from there.

[mvp]

Yes, 5" there would be wide. And some saddle makers (particularly the Frenchies… which have other problems fitting wide horses) will tell you that 4.5" counts as wide.

“Dot to dot” refers to the horizontal distance between the top corner of the panels underneath the pommel. Those used to be secured with stitches that went through and external tuft of wool… it formed a wool dot at the corner of the panel and thus gave everyone an easy, universal landmark to measure and, from there, a “first cut” approximation of tree width, as well as a way to try and compare saddles built on very different tree using different shapes and material for panels.

[no.stirrups]

There is no consistent answer to your question. Each brands “wide” is different from the next. Some brands differentiate by distance between tree points, some by angle, and I’m aware of at least two other methods that are complicated to explain but all refer to measurements taken below the “dots”!

A wide tree by angle can be broad (hoop tree) from dot to dot, or relatively narrow (A-frame tree), and so can a medium or even a narrow tree.

You really need to know what method of measurement is used by the maker of the saddle in question.

[jaybird660]

I agree with the above posters that wide measurements vary quite a bit. A lot has to do with the shape of the pommel arch. Some are more open, even if the measurement is similar dot to dot. Additionally, this is only a small part of saddle fit. You have to consider the angle of the rails or lateral angle, longitudinal shape, panel depth, gullet channel width, etc.