What is a Hoop tree saddle?
What is a Hoop Tree Saddle?
A hoop tree saddle, which is commonly used on wider types, is designed to accommodate horses with a broader or flatter back shape. Unlike traditional saddles that are built on a narrow tree which looks like an inverted V, hoop tree saddles are more open and U shaped at the head. The typically have a wider and flatter tree to provide better weight distribution and comfort for horses with a more rounded conformation. These saddles are specifically crafted to fit horses with low or wide withers and a broad back, ensuring a better fit and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury for the horse.
Type of Horse Suitable for Hoop Tree Saddles
Hoop tree saddles are particularly suitable for horses with certain conformational characteristics. They are ideal for breeds such as Andalusians, Friesians, Haflingers, Cobs, and many draft breeds. Additionally, horses with broader backs, low withers, and a more barrel-shaped body can benefit from the use of hoop tree saddles.
Importance of Using Hoop Tree Saddles
It is important to use hoop tree saddles on horses with broader backs because these saddles provide a better fit and ensure the comfort and well-being of the horse. A proper fitting saddle is crucial for maintaining the horse’s overall health and performance. Using a saddle that doesn’t fit correctly can lead to soreness, muscle atrophy, and even behavioural issues in the horse. Hoop tree saddles help distribute the rider’s weight more evenly over the horse’s back, reducing pressure points and minimizing the risk of discomfort or injury.
The images below show the difference in shape of a hoop tree and a standard tree, both saddles are the same model however you can see the hoop tree saddle is more of a U shape at the front compared to the more V shape of the standard tree.
Brands Offering Hoop Tree Saddles
Several reputable brands offer hoop tree saddles designed to cater to horses with broader backs. Some of these brands include:
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Black Country Saddles: Known for their high-quality craftsmanship and customizable options, Black Country Saddles offers a range of different models which can be built on different tree shapes. The freedom tree from Black Country is a popular hoop tree option tailored to fit wider-backed horses.
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Albion Saddlemakers: Albion is renowned for its innovative saddle designs including the Albion Adjusta tree. In 2023, Albion released their CC tree. CC means Cob and Connie and is essentially a hoop tree designed for these broader, and native types.
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Chunky Monkey: Chunky Monkey as the name dictates is a brand aimed at the wider types. All of their saddles feature the hoop tree as standard. Chunky Monkey offer a great selection of models, some of which include panel designs to allow freer shoulder movement.
- Andrea Hicks: Andrea Hicks is another brand which specifically designs saddles for cobs and ponies. AH offers a wide range of models available on various tree types to suit different breeds and conformations.
These brands are recognized for their expertise in creating hoop tree saddles that prioritize both the comfort of the horse and the needs of the rider.
Click here to see our full range of saddles suitable for your wider horse.
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