Discover Sanders Saddlery

Saddle fit is critical since the horse's back changes shape as they move.  Very simply put, the shoulders move forward and back, the hips swing, and the head and neck move as well. The horse's head, neck, and front legs serve to balance the horse while the hindquarters are responsible for impulsion.  The strongest part of the horse's back is just behind the withers in an area called the “riders groove.” This is the best place for a horse to carry weight. 

As the horse's body changes shape through fitness and training, the saddle must accommodate the changing muscles. It also needs to move, or flex, with the horse's motion.  Imagine exercising in a wooden clog versus an athletic or running shoe. Your feet would be aching and, over time, you would start to develop scar tissue.  This is similar to what happens to the horse's back when you use a rigid tree saddle.

Not all flexible saddles are created equal. Some flexible saddles can create pinch points or pressure points which could cause scarring.  Tree-less saddles do not provide enough “rigidity” for the rider to stay safely centered on the horse for certain disciplines.  Sanders Flextree Saddles provides the stability the saddle needs to stay balanced and the flexibility the horse’s back needs to remain comfortable.  

We offer two types of saddle trees depending on the horse's needs and the rider's needs.  Once you have the tree just right, you can have the saddle covered any way you like!  Our saddles are made on western trees and put you in a natural balance as if you were riding bareback sitting in the “riders groove.” 

These saddles are great for the training and rehabilitation of horses since the tree moves with the horse's motion. As the horse's back changes shape, we can change out the panel pads on the saddle to accommodate for top-line development. 

Sanders Saddlery is a proud sponsor of Lakeview Horse Rescue.  We are fortunate to have training saddles and other important training and riding accessories that aide in the training of our adoptable horses and ponies. Our adopters have the opportunity to purchase these saddles, bridles, and other pieces of equipment at a discounted rate.

For more information on these great saddles, check out: Sanders Flex Tree Saddlery