What is an association saddle tree?
The Association tree was originally based on specs set in 1919 by a number of rodeo representatives for bronc riding saddles. It is “Modified” to fit on a horse in a normal riding position. It has a moderate amount of top slope and a curved undercut to the sides.
Can you rope in an association saddle?
All Around Saddles You can use an all-around saddle for ranching, roping, barrel racing, trail riding, and more. These saddles have a strong and stout horn so you are able to rope out of them or even drag cows with it. It is also equipped with a sturdy tree, which allows it to handle the pressure of roping.
What is the tree of the saddle?
The tree of a saddle is the firm, inner part that gives the saddle its stability and main shape. This frame is usually made of plastic or wood and comes in different sizes to accommodate the differing shapes of horses’ backs. English saddles have varying tree widths, so what fits one horse might not fit another.
What is a Wade tree saddle?
A Wade saddle is a slick fork, buckaroo style specifically built to be a working saddle. It’s designed for handling livestock and for maximum comfort during long, strenuous hours in the saddle.
What is saddle tree made of?
Saddle trees can be composed of several materials, including beech wood, fiberglass, plastic, laminated wood, steel, aluminum, and iron. Seats are usually made from canvas, felt, and wool, while panels can include plastic foam, rubber, and linen.
What is a saddle tree used for?
Saddle Trees are the most important aspect of the saddle. It is what insures the proper fit of the horse, balance of the rider, and overall strength of the saddle.
Why are Wade saddles so popular?
There are several reasons why Wade saddles remain popular today. The saddle sets low on a horse, giving a horse better leverage while holding heavy livestock that has been roped. The horn is low and out of the way when roping. The horn has a prominent lip to make dallying with your rope easier.
Are Wade tree saddles good?
Wade trees make darn good saddles. They are built and designed to make you a better rider, naturally. You don’t have much choice but to ride in the correct riding position, and therefore, to ride one is to fall in love with one. It can almost feel like cheating.
What is the history of the Association saddle?
The original “Association” tree came about for the reasons Troy said. In the early 1900s there was no regulations on saddles in the bronc riding contests. Hamley’s came out with the Form-Fitter swells in about 1914. Combine a high cantle and wide swells with a short seat and rider could more or less lock his legs and ride till he bled out his ears.
What is the history of the saddle tree?
Several rodeo committees got together in 1918-1919 and decided on a saddle tree with set specifications. Hamleys made the first ones, and most referred to them as “Committee” or “Association” trees. They basically were a beefed up version of the “Ellensburg” tree pattern.
What is a Hamley saddle tree?
Hamley’s came out with the Form-Fitter swells in about 1914. Combine a high cantle and wide swells with a short seat and rider could more or less lock his legs and ride till he bled out his ears. Several rodeo committees got together in 1918-1919 and decided on a saddle tree with set specifications.
How should the bars of the tree fit on a saddle?
The bars of the tree should be resting along the back of the horse or mule with little or no gap, as seen in photos A,B & C. The bars of the tree are sitting on the horse’s back making full contact along their entire length. When considering the fit a finished saddle you can put the saddle on the horse or mule with a light blanket under it.