Tree shape assistance - Arion vs Devoucoux

[akhunterrider]

I currently have an Arion saddle on trial that I was able to try on my lease horse once. Unfortunately the tree bridges in the center, which I believe indicates it’s too flat. There’s no guarantee I’ll ride her long term, but in case I do I don’t want a poorly fitting saddle. I do really like the saddle for myself.

I am looking at a Devoucoux instead and truthfully I don’t know enough about tree shapes to know if it would potentially work any better.

Here are the stamps for both saddles. If possible, can anyone help me understand the difference between the panels/tree shapes on these saddles?

[akhunterrider]

The image format of the Devoucoux stamp did not work for uploading. This is the panel code: 3PC D3D and it is a 2015 Biarritz

[Belmont]

The Devoucoux will likely not work either, as this is probably more of a tree shape problem vs panel. You might look into something more “banana” tree if these French style saddles are bridging on your horses back. While older DVX we’re more curved, a 2015 is after the LIM acquisition and the trees were changed then.

While LIM did just acquire Albion recently, I’d look into some of their saddles. You might also try Prestige, Stubben, Amerigo and some others that have models with a more curved tree if that is what your horse truly needs.

However, I will also err on the side of “did you ride in it?”. A slight bridge while standing still could be totally different once your horse is in motion. Does your horses back round up and flatten out when trotting and cantering? If so, I’d not get something too banana-y.

[akhunterrider]

Thank you so much. It’s definitely a tree shape issue, not so much the panel. My other saddle is a 2012 CWD 2G and I need to take it back out to the barn and put it on her without pads. While the Arion did bridge while tacking up, she was actually quite lovely under saddle. I just don’t want to hurt her long term.

Her owner’s saddle is an Amerigo, but truth be told I’ve never ridden in that saddle.

[akhunterrider]

Here’s my very wintery Thoroughbred/land hippo trotting in the Arion on Saturday

[albytb]

The Antarès Connexion model has a more curved tree shape, that might be worth trying. But I think just on the “newer” ones