Saddles with Flexible Tree???

[Dressage59]

So, in my search for a new saddle, my saddle fitter gave me a Custom Saddle with a flexible tree. I love sitting in the saddle even though it may not be the best fit for me or the horse. Regardless, I want to know more about the flexible tree. She said horses either love or hate it.
I tend to perch unfortunately! The first time I rode in it, I rode without stirrups and was not sitting on my back pockets. A correct seat position is an on-going process for me. Absolutely no problem riding and the horse was responsive.

The second time I rode, I used stirrups and purposely made sure I sat back a little, no problem.

The third time, I rode, I still made sure I rode on my back pockets. So now, my cold pony mare (two strikes right there, pony and mare) who normally doesn’t want to move forward all of a sudden didn’t want to stop, accept half halts, etc.

Is this just her once a year acting up or could it possibly be the saddle?

Any thoughts on the flexible tree would certainly be appreciated, pros/cons, how horses respond, etc. I’m a beginner rider. TIA!!!

[normandy_shores]

I’ve got a custom coronado with the polyflex tree and my gelding loved it. My pony mare has had no complaints yet but I mostly ride her in my jump saddle for now.

[right_horse_at_the_right_time]

I had a constanze for a period of time. Loved it at first…then it made weird popping noises and a vibration.

I felt it and he felt it as well.

I know others who love them.

[dude.does.dressage]

Be careful you’re not coming too far back with your center of gravity, that can cause a horse to try to ‘speed out from under you.’

I have, and am trying to sell, an older flexible tree saddle, it doesn’t fit my current horse and doesn’t really fit me either, but I never noticed much difference in the handful of horses I’ve used it on over the years. I was able to use it on several very different horses, which was useful at the time.

[jaybird660]

There are some horses that do fine and enjoy a tree that has flex characteristics and some that want a fixed tree and will brace against it to establish some stability. Therefore, it could be the saddle fit or the horse’s lack of enthusiasm but you shouldn’t have to fidget with your position.

[Bogie]

A saddle that has the right balance point for YOU will put you in the right position without much effort. If you have to keep reminding yourself how to fit, it might not be the right saddle for you.

In terms of flexible trees, my horses have always liked them but your mileage may vary.

[Dressage59]

Jay,
Thanks so much for the feedback! The pony has a 15.5 " back and I have a 17" seat - not an easy fit. Since I have a saddle that’s working (an old Stubben), I’m just going to ride it. I appreciate your feedback.

[MysticOakRanch]

I have a flex tree (Constanze) and a Coronado, and my horses love it. Definite difference in how they go with that tree. But it sounds like the saddle doesn’t fit YOU, and if it doesn’t fit YOU, then it isn’t worth buying. You might try some of the other flex tree models, see if Pony goes happily in them, and if not, then it was a one time fluke.

If you stick with Custom Saddlery, they have an option to order with “Pony Panels” which are much shorter panels. This will help with the short backed pony - or the horse with the uber short back.

If you walk alongside a horse and rider w/ Flextree, you can put your hand under the saddle points and FEEL the amount of movement that it has.

[right_horse_at_the_right_time]

Mystic - my (former) Custom fitter said that the Coronado is also a flex tree - said that all “C” saddles have the flex tree…

Is the Coronado just a regular tree?

Have you ever had that vibration problem I had with my Constanze?

[MysticOakRanch]

[QUOTE=right horse at the right time;8986743]
Mystic - my (former) Custom fitter said that the Coronado is also a flex tree - said that all “C” saddles have the flex tree…

Is the Coronado just a regular tree?

Have you ever had that vibration problem I had with my Constanze?[/QUOTE]

Yes, all the “C” saddles have a Flex tree - I ended up with TWO flex tree saddles - and my horses really prefer them. I have had no issues with vibration or sound? My Constanze is at least 3 or 4 years old now, and the Coronado is probably 5 years old…

[right_horse_at_the_right_time]

Oh, sorry! I misread that.

Mine (the Constanze) had this weird noise right under my tailbone. It felt like a bumblebee and happened a few times, then it also sounded like it was popping. THe first time it happened I seriously wondered whether a huge bug flew under the saddle…and we were getting ready to go into our first test ever. He felt it too and had a pretty big spook.

It didn’t work for me for multiple reasons and I ended up with the solo (no pony panels as I was told he didn’t need them…but he does…).

I loved the idea of the saddle, though! Maybe just had a bad one.

[infiniti]

Hi I have a Sommer Diplomat with a flexible tree and it completely changed the way my horse moved in a good way. He loved it and I’ve ridden other horses in it that seemed to go fine in it… never truly felt his back swing until the Sommer

[Touchstone_Farm]

[QUOTE=infiniti;8988316]
Hi I have a Sommer Diplomat with a flexible tree and it completely changed the way my horse moved in a good way. He loved it and I’ve ridden other horses in it that seemed to go fine in it… never truly felt his back swing until the Sommer :D[/QUOTE]

Agree. I own two Sommer’s. Awesome fit for me, and the freedom in the shoulder for my horses is really great. Took me too many years to find this saddle!

[Touchstone_Farm]

[QUOTE=infiniti;8988316]
Hi I have a Sommer Diplomat with a flexible tree and it completely changed the way my horse moved in a good way. He loved it and I’ve ridden other horses in it that seemed to go fine in it… never truly felt his back swing until the Sommer :D[/QUOTE]

Agree. I own two Sommers. Awesome fit for me, and the freedom in the shoulder for my horses is really great. Took me too many years to find this saddle!