"Molly's New Saddle!" Pt 4 in Saddle Fit Series"

Howdy Folks,

Yesterday was the day Molly got her brand new custom fit saddle made by Larry Wilson! What a delightful little gal Molly is. She's twenty and just as tickled about this saddle as a kid with a brand new toy! She knew it was coming, and waited "almost" patiently from the day Larry first visited 7 weeks ago to fit Molly for the all important custom fit saddle tree. If you haven't seen those pictures and that story you can find it here http://dutchhenry.blogspot.com/2012/12/saddle-tree-from-start-to-finish.html .

Have a look at Molly's rig all shiny and new. Larry calls this his Trail Saddle. He'll make any kind of saddle the customer wants and that's wonderful, but what is important to me is that his saddles are made to fit the horse, and the rider, starting by building the tree, by hand. ... Being a horse advocate, saddle fit is VERY important to me. I have seen his saddles heal backs, withers and shoulders. I have seen his saddles heal horses who'd been prematurely retired ... Larry made it possible for me to ride pain free by shaping my trees to fit my own twisted pelvis. Had I not met Larry I doubt I'd still be riding, and riding is more than just a wonderful thing to do for me, I literally ride so I can walk  ... And his saddles are right in line price wise with any "Off The Rack" quality saddles, and less expensive than some. You can call him for pricing and any other questions at, 570-404-9440, and have a look at his website http://wilsonsaddles.com/Welcome.html

Here is Molly proudly showing off her new saddle, that's Larry with her.

 Chris and Molly set off to give it a try in motion as Larry watches to make certain all is correct.

 And friends, this is just the beginning. Larry stands by his saddles and he's there to make any corrections or adjustments as may be needed. I've known him for 10 years and he's built me 4 saddles, and I know him to stand by his work. He also makes great saddlebags, halters and all sorts of accessories.

And his saddles and trees can be adjusted for changes, or to fit other horses. While he was here this weekend I asked him to re-shape the saddle he made me for my TWH, River, who I rode endurance with, to fit Kessy. He'd already re-fit my Diablo's saddle to fit Kessy, the saddle I'm using now, but I was always partial to River's saddle. I have more than a few thousand miles in that saddle.

A little later Chris, Molly, Kessy and I set out on short trail ride to really check out Molly's new Wilson Saddle. We had a wonderful ride. It was easy to see how that new saddle fit Molly perfectly and Chris too. 

 Correct saddle fit is so very important, and sadly, even in this time of, "Enlightenment," too many times a horses' behavior is misunderstood for a discipline problem when really the root cause is a poor fitting saddle and pain. If you have questions about your saddle fit, please post them here or feel free to email me, or give Larry a call. Larry doesn't just sell saddles, he helps horses and people.

No matter the discipline you and your horse play or work in together, a proper fitting saddle is the foundation to build on. It is our hope this little series on Saddle Fit was a benefit to you and your horse.

Earlier Posts in this Saddle Fit Series,

My Saddle Maker Is Coming - http://dutchhenry.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-saddle-maker-is-coming.html

Larry Wilson Builds A Saddle Part 2  - http://dutchhenry.blogspot.com/2012/11/larry-builds-saddle-part-2.html

Saddle Tree From Start to Finish - http://dutchhenry.blogspot.com/2012/12/saddle-tree-from-start-to-finish.html

Gitty Up

Dutch Henry

"Saddle Tree From Start to Finish"

Howdy Folks,

When Larry Wilson comes to build a tree he starts with his foundation tree he's made by laminating eighth inch plywood together. Now this looks pretty rough because he puts plenty of wood together so he has ample material to shape to the horse and rider. Here he is placing the tree on Molly for the first time for inspection. Throughout the fitting process he'll do this many times.

First fitting for Molly of Larry's hand made tree

After each fitting he'll grind and shape, fine tuning the fit until it fits the horse or in this case, the mule perfectly. The tree is the most important part of the saddle. Trees with improper fit can cause bridging, or pinching, rocking and painful pressure on the spine. Larry does all his own leather work too, and he does beautiful work, but he stresses it's the tree that makes the saddle. He says the rest is just upholstery.

Shaping the tree to perfection ...

One of many "fittings" to get it perfect

Then it's time to fit the tree to the rider. In this step the rider sits the tree and Larry measures the rider's comfort for seat size, stirrup bar (leather) placement, pummel and cantle height. Sorry I didn't get a picture of that, but here Larry is measuring where to place the riggings.

Applying fiberglass

Back to the shop, or in this case my barn for about 12 hours of grinding, fiber-glassing, shaping and building of the complete tree. I've watched Larry a few times over the years and each time I'm absolutely amazed at how exacting he is. After a few more hours the next morning, the tree was ready for a final fit on Molly, and for Chris to ride.

Final check, after installing the rigging to fit Chris'  needs

One last inspection proved all was perfect with the rigging (attached temporarily with only one screw at each end) and stirrup leathers in place, then saddle … or "tree up" time. 

Molly all treed up ready to ride

Interesting side note here, Chis remarked, as she gently snugged the girth, that Molly had always been "Girthy" and danced about while saddling. But this morning she stood almost asleep. Chris commented that all this time she'd reasoned it was the girth bothering Molly and this proved it had been the saddle.

While riding the tree Larry asks a lot of questions, and looks at everything.

Time to ride the tree! Chris and Larry discussing the feel of the tree. Inspection of the tree while riding is critical to achieving proper fit. The horse needs room to move under the tree while at the same time the tree must secure the saddle and rider. This combination can hardly be accomplished by a static fit or examination of a saddle.

Chris and Molly float on air with freedom and comfort

Chris had always used a breast collar and crupper with Molly's old saddle, but while riding the tree today, up and down slight inclines in the pasture she did not need them. The tree, fit perfectly to Molly, stayed in place beautifully.

Now Larry will finish Chris and Molly's new saddle to all Chris's specifications for color, design and placements off accessories and in no time Molly and Chris will be all set for years of trail adventures, both comfortable in a saddle that was made just for them!

It is my hope that this little story will help folks understand the importance of correct saddle fit. In my travels working with therapy horses I see very many sore backs, necks and hind ends brought on by improper saddle/tack fit. Many temperament/discipline issues are caused by ill fitting tack. I thought perhaps sharing the fitting of a tree may help folks have a new way of looking at saddle fit.

To see the finished saddle read "Molly's New Saddle" Pt 4 in saddle fit series HERE

Gitty Up

Dutch Henry

Larry Wilson Builds Molly A Saddle Part 2

Howdy Folks,

We're still in the saddle tree building mode here. It's a lot of fun watching this all happen, no matter how often I've seen it. And I am taking some pictures that I'll post on Monday's blog, can't do it today because there's more to come. I'm planing on a little picture story blog for Monday where we'll start with the first picture of the rough tree Larry builds at the beginning and then show a fitting, and shaping, more shaping then ending with Chris (who is getting the new saddle for her mule) riding her mule, Molly in the tree. I think even if your not a horse person you'll enjoy the journey.

Yesterday started with the first fitting at Chris' house, and lots of placing the tree on Molly and then Larry shaping and re-fitting. That took about 3 hours, then we came back here and Larry set up to start building the seat on the tree. Very detailed work and takes a bit of time to keep everything perfect. He ended the night with the first coat of fiberglass over the wood and wire frame.

Today there will be more fiberglass and seat building. Each application takes about an hour to dry. At this time he is also installing the stirrup bars, to hang the stirrup leathers. The size of the seat, height of the pommel and cantel, and placement of the stirrup bars are all determined by Chris' preference, and measurements and fittings Larry did yesterday when Chris sat on the tree. He'll hang stirrup leathers and riggings on the tree and it'll be ready for a test ride.

Putting the finishing touches on the tree for Chris & Molly's test ride

Sometime this afternoon, after all that is ready,  we'll go back to Chris' and she'll ride Molly in the tree so Larry can make sure everything is just perfect. That's one of the key differences in his saddles, because while tracings and molds are often done, that is a static fit and a lot of things change when a horse moves. Another neat difference with Larry's saddles is how he builds the seat to fit the rider for maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

I'm having a great time watching all this, and it is so interesting to see the change come over the horse, well in this case Molly the mule, as the tree begins to take shape and fit her and even caress her instead of hurt or annoy her. Everyone there yesterday saw the change in her eyes and demeanor. From worry to acceptance.

Have a fun day! ...  for Pt 3 CLICK HERE

Gitty Up,
Dutch Henry