Where is size marked on old Crosby Equilibrium?

[M]

Where is the seat size and tree width noted on a Crosby Equilibrium saddle? I have one and think the tree size may be on the stirrup bar but unsure. I am not seeing a seat size on the flaps.

I’m checking on one for sale and the seller will measure but accurate hand measuring can be so difficult.

Also, my saddle needs new panels and the original replacement panels (foam ) is no longer available. Has anyone successfully replaced with wool or other materials that keep the character of the original exquisitel balance and feel?

[furlong47]

I don’t think I’ve ever owned a saddle that had the seat size marked. Tree size, yes, but not seat although I know some include that info in a code. Measure with tape measure straight from one of the nailheads on the pommel to the middle of the cantle. If it’s a seller doing the measuring, have them send a photo of them doing it so you can see that it’s right.

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

Older saddles very often didn’t include seat size and tree size identification. Because wide trees were pretty rare, a W was sometimes stamped on the stirrup bar. Measure for seat size as above. The tree is most likely a medium.

As for the panels… because a much larger amount of wool is required to give the same back protection as a foam panel, you can’t simply take out foam and stuff wool in. Foam panels just aren’t made deep enough. It’s possible to have new panels made for your saddle, and have those flocked with wool, but the cost may make the saddle not a bargain. If the foam is dead, you may be able to make it comfortable for your horse (and you0 with a sheepskin half pad that includes shock absorbing inserts, like the Toklat with Pro Impact.

[M]

I purchased my saddle as new so I know it is a 16 1/2" seat and medium width. I tried measuring as instructed and the method mentioned is simple and accurate - so thanks for the info - very useful. My stirrup bar is marked with an M for medium.

Thanks Furlong47 and Melissa Van Doren.

The Crosby Equilibrium Tad Coffin model was the most well balanced and secure saddle I ever used. It is a pancake but the balance was remarkable. I’d like see if a wide tree would fit my WBxTB horses. The original foam panels may still be an issue. Perhaps someone will have replaced their panels with same while they were still available.

I did pass on the one for sale as detailed photos show condition was poor. I’m not looking for a bargain.

[Foxtrot_s]

Back when - the way to know, as above, was to measure from the centre of the nailhead on the pommel to the middle of the cantle.

[M]

How do you measure the tree width?

[mvp]

@M_

How do you measure the tree width?

Personally. I use a tape measure and I measure “dot to dot”-- or between those tufts of wool at the top of the panels at the front of the gullet. If those tufts are not there, I still measure from those “corners” of the panel. The tape measure lets you get right in there with your hands and stretch the tape between those narrow points. IME, a stiff tape measure will yield a less accurate measurement unless it’s done by a skilled and honest seller.

A Medium tree of a yestercentury Crosby will be 4" and maybe a tad. I would think of a wide as 4.75" or greater. It will be hard to find wider than that.

I agree with others-- measuring seat size in English saddles involves a standard technique. It should not be hard to figure out the size, though moving the nail can make it vary by a quarter inch or so.

Also, no, no, no to replacing foam panels with wool. I think y’all have covered this, but I have seen a saddle ruined this way. Even with new panels made, they looked fluffy and the panel got really narrow… narrower than the narrow of the original Crosby saddles. It was unusable.

I do agree with your love of those Crosby Equilibrium saddles-- for both horse and rider. The panels on those and the tree shape made them very horse-friendly, even if they are narrow by modern standards.

I think most Crosbys did have the seat size stamped on the sweat flap, but it would not surprise me if that were gone by now.

[Foxtrot_s]

The old way of measuring tree size was using your own fist and learning how wide a fist was, then how wide a narrow tree was, medium or wide (by using another saddle for measurement).

Same as for my handy dandy measurement for a horse… stand carefully beside the horse by the wither and then lean forward until your nose touches the horse’s shoulder. Then you add how many inches to the top of the wither. My nose is exactly 15.3" - never fails. Add on a couple of inches and the horse is 16.1 hh.