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27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, XW, what does it mean? It means we’ve got options! Since we prioritize the horse’s welfare, we designed a tree that goes beyond the standard narrow, medium, and wide options. This tree comes in seven different widths to provide the most precise fit possible. Understanding which size tree fits your horse is the primary focus of your Stübben saddle fitter. What your fitter is looking for in selecting the correct tree width is to match the angle of the tree points with the angle of your horse’s back. This allows even distribution of weight while providing proper wither clearance. The numbering system Stübben uses identifies the width of the tree from the bottom of the tree points.
For example, a 30cm tree is exactly 30cm from the end of one tree point to the bottom of the other tree point. The width between the dots at the front of the panel remains the same as long as the model of saddle is the same regardless of tree width. This allows for proper wither clearance in every tree width. Tree point length and where the measurement is taken leads to varying sizes among manufacturers. This is why there is a lot of confusion on what size tree your horse might be. The tree width of your saddle is stamped underneath the flap or the off-side billet guard of your Stübben saddle. If your saddle has been stamped with the letters A, B, C, D, E, it is built on our short point narrow twist tree. With all these options, it’s no wonder why so many horses prefer Stübben saddles!
