anyone out there have experience with flex tree saddles?

I've had both an Ortho Flex and a Tucker Gen II flex - both nightmares.

The front end of the saddle is actually not the part of the tree that flexes (only the area under the seat) and that part of the tree does need to be fitted to the horse.

It has been recommended that heavy riders stay away from flex planel saddles as there is no rigid tree to support and distribute the rider's weight.

The extra movement in the rear of the saddle is known to sore the horse's back.

I know of some people who love their flex tree saddles. If you are lucky enough to get one that fits your horse's conformation, aren't a heavy rider and don't ride all that much/often, they might work out for you. There are too many "ifs" for me when it comes to flex tree saddles. I'll never own one again. Well, in fact the Tucker is still in my basement I guess. ;) Reminder to get that one sold!!! :D

Flex Tree Saddle

I like my flex tree, but first off I have a high quality one that the manufacturer doesn't claim fits all horses.

A flex tree shouldn't be bought to improve fit. You should be buying a saddle that fits in the first place. The flex should just be enough so that the saddle moves better with the horse. You need to take the same care fitting a flex tree as a solid tree. Any company says their flex tree will fit any horse ignore and don't buy their junk.

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/flex-trees-101.html...

has more information with pictures of the trees. If you look at the parts that are flexible you'll see the flex area's aren't in the withers so the gullet area isn't flexing at all which is why it is so important to get it properly fitted by a saddler. A cheaper flex tree will flex and allow you to sit on the horses spine because they are using flex to get fit.

Also I have heard from several fitters that if you are heavy you shouldn't use a flex tree because you'll just have the tree fully flexed all the time. It's hard to say what is too heavy but I've heard over 200 lbs or over 250 is usually what it takes to constantly flex the tree. At a saddle shop you should be able to sit on the saddle and see if you are maxing the flex on it.

I can say the flex tree's I own are not junk brand and they've held up great. Have they held up as well as my 50 year old roper? Can't say as I've only had mine a few years. It's a Steele tree with high quality leather. Fits as good now as it did when I bought and my fitter is still happy with it.

I have not heard good things about flex trees. They are not as durable as rawhide wrapped wood trees. I certainly wouldn't rein or rope in one. I've also head that because they are designed to fit all horses that they end up not fitting any horse really well. The trees really do flex and can end up pinching a wider horse or rocking on a narrow horse. They also don't distribute weight as evenly as a wood tree saddle and consequently have more pressure points. I've ridden in an old school circly y roper for years. I borrowed a friends circly y flex tree park and trail and noticed that my horse did not perform as well and it also wasn't as comfortable for me. It is better to sink your money into a saddle that is designed to fit your specific horse.

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

anyone out there have experience with flex tree saddles?

someone asked me my opinion on them the other day. i've never used one. how are they constructed? do they hold up? what's the deal?

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