How to Measure the Tree Size of a Western Saddle

A horse saddle tree is the frame upon which a saddle is built. The width of the saddle tree is the governing factor in buying a saddle. The trees for a Western saddle come in either medium or wide widths. These are measurements for the two most common types of trees: quarter horse and semi-quarter horse. It is important for the horse's posture and health that the tree used to build the saddle is the right size for the horse's back.

Things You'll Need

  • Solder wire
  • Western saddle
  • Tree chart
  • Chalk
  • Butcher paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Flip the saddle over so the bottom is facing up. Be careful to lay the saddle on something soft so it does not get scratched. Measure the Western saddle tree size using the solder wire by placing it across the saddle gullet two inches below its most narrow section. Press firmly and make sure to get the angles correct. The gullet is the tunnel of the front of the saddle which sits over the horses withers or shoulder blades.

    • 2

      Lay the solder wire onto the butcher paper and trace the angle of the saddle gullet with chalk. Cut the tracing out of the butcher paper if you want, but it is not necessary as the angle and width of the gullet are what you are looking for.

    • 3

      Check this tracing against the tree chart for the manufacturer. If this chart is not available, use the width of the gullet to decipher if the saddle is wide or medium. Measure the saddle gullet space. If it is 7 inches or more, it has a wide tree size. If it has less than 7 inches, it is has a medium tree size.