Spring tree widening question

[Judysmom]

I apologize in advance for typos - posting off my phone. So my just turned 5 yr old TB just went through a growth / filling out spurt and now his saddle is too narrow.

The saddle is a 32 cm stubben portos and it’s a good bit too narrow now. I know spring trees can get widened a size usually - but before I call the saddle fitter out - how big of a deal is it to do?

Also - and I recognize this is hard to do without pictures - does anyone have an opinion on whether it’s worth it to go this route? Without a saddle pad I can get 4 fingers between the withers and the inside of the pommel.

And … because it’s COTH (lol )… no I am not riding him in the too narrow saddle. He’s just being lunged in it.

[GoForAGallop]

It’s not a “big deal” but you’re not going to get it wide enough, I don’t think, if it’s “a good bit too narrow.”

With the exception of a few (like Smith Worthington, who advertises that their spring trees can be adjusted multiple times and between drastic sizes), your standard spring tree is only going to be adjustable by a half-size, MAYBE a full size, if you luck out. A lot of saddlers don’t guarantee that they’ll be able to get it to any specific point, as you kinda have to “feel” the tree out as you go.

It’ll run you around $150…worth it if you like the saddle and it’s going to go wide enough, but I’m not sure that’s the case with your situation? Maybe bumping it out the half size and adjusting the flocking will get you through the season, but at this point, it might be better to just sell and start looking for the next saddle.

Not unusual at all for babies to go through multiple saddles. From 3-6, my TB mare has gone through four professionally-fitted saddles that were all the right choice for her at that specific point in time/training. Saddle #4 would not have fit when she was wearing saddle #2.

[jaybird660]

It is recommended that most trees that can be widened with a tree press only be widened up or down one size although there are some that suggest even just half a size. It should be done by someone versed in this and with the saddle opened and usually costs about 200.00 give or take.

[Kitt]

Unless Stubben has changed their tree design recently, their trees are NOT adjustable. They’re built differently than the spring trees used in the UK, and the materials don’t allow for the same adjustment. I’d recommend longeing him in a surcingle rather than the saddle; even w/o weight in it, it’s going to be pinchy and uncomfortable.

[Judysmom]

[QUOTE=Kitt;7585043]
Unless Stubben has changed their tree design recently, their trees are NOT adjustable. They’re built differently than the spring trees used in the UK, and the materials don’t allow for the same adjustment. I’d recommend longeing him in a surcingle rather than the saddle; even w/o weight in it, it’s going to be pinchy and uncomfortable.[/QUOTE]

Kitt - thanks for the imput RE Stubben trees. I will call them directly. The saddle is about a year and a half old.

[Judysmom]

Well just got off the phone with Stubben, and Kitt is correct - their trees cannot be widened. Le sigh.

Its too bad - I really liked this saddle. I guess the good news is I have at least two other saddles that should fit him. AKA why I hardly ever sell a saddle - never know when you will need it.