The Flexible Tree Saddle
Flexible Tree Saddles are a bit controversial but are becoming very popular, especially for barrel racers. It has a hard skeletal structure shaped out of material that flexes to accommodate the movement of the horse and rider. This forward thinking design allows the horse greater freedom, puts less force on his pressure points, and flexes to fit during walking or loping.The design of the tree has a traditional look and feel while remaining extremely flexible. The challenge of creating a flexible saddletree was two-fold. The first challenge was to make a tree bar that would conform to the horses back. There were many experiments done with several types of material, achieved by bonding high-density polyethylene plastic and leather together to give it flexibility while retaining structural integrity. A typical saddle seat is created by taking a preformed seat, usually made of fiberglass or metal, and mounting it on to the saddle tree. The material for the seat had to be flexible, have shape-holding characteristics for the seat's foundation, and memory to bring the saddle back to it's original position. In the end, heat tempered spring steel was the answer.
The theory behind trying to invent a flexible tree is that, if the bar can adjust to the confirmation of any horse, it significantly widens the range of horses that will fit any particular saddle tree design. The tree will flow and move with the horse instead of pushing against him.
The new experimental materials used for this tree bar make the tree thinner and lighter. 1/2" neoprene rubber was incorporated in the bottom layer of the skirt rather than an additional layer of leather, which enhances the comfort to the horse while providing close contact to the horse and less weight to the saddle. The prediction is that the flex-tree will provide three times more closeness to the horse while providing even distribution of weight over the back of the horse.
Although this saddle is controversal, time and effort are being put in to this rig to make it a common saddle pick. Only time will tell if they can accomplish this.
posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 1:48 PM
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