Temporary fix to lengthen and widen close contact seat?

[Equestrian24]

@BAC

I have a hard time believing this is even a legitimate post. You cannot make the seat wider/longer or whatever, it is what it is. And no reason a 15 year old tree can’t still be useful, I had a 50 year old Stubben that was just fine.

That’s my thoughts as well! Currently riding in a 40-year-old Courbette (and have another one just like it) that is sturdy and sound as the day is long, and only have one saddle under 15 years old at this point, all of them being very safe still. I’ve never heard of a saddle being too old to use at 15 years old, and would think only a low quality or poorly cared for saddle (barring being involved in an accident, of course) would last only that long.

[Equestrian24]

@Bravophilson

I actually had a professional saddle fitter tell me about the tree/15 year rule. And after reading many of these posts, I did some research for myself…no such thing as a max life for a tree, especially on a well-cared for, nice saddle from a good saddlery. You’re totally right. And you can better believe I’m very wary of this saddle fitter’s advice now!

That’s very odd! Were they talking about a warranty, or the tree’s actual lifespan? Did this particular fitter have any saddles they were trying to sell you? If so, I’d think they were probably trying to convince you that you needed to buy one of their saddles, and that’s very shady and very false and poor information. I’d definitely be wary of any advice from someone like that as well, that would really rub me the wrong way.