Some more saddle questions

Olli · 09-04-2008, 12:01 PM

I am looking for a western saddle for my new horse. I recently read some information on the Circle Y web site in regards to something called " Flexlite", which refers to the tree. Can anybody offer any information or thoughts on this type of tree? Also, how do I know what type of tree (bars) will be the best fit for my horse? And finally, at 5'7" and 185 lbs, would I need a 15" or 16" saddle? Thanks in advance.

Crookedblaze · 09-04-2008, 12:06 PM

I think that you'd be a 16...it might be a little big, but unless your barrel racing you want the saddle to be a little roomy.

I have head of the flexlites, but have never ridden in one...when I asked my chiropractor about them, she said that they'd be good on trail, but not for competition because the tree can wiggle a bit.

Slim Pikkens · 09-04-2008, 05:20 PM

I'm thinking you should consider 16" or 17" depending on saddle style. It's important that you try out saddles by sitting in them. Once that's eliminated try to take a few home and see how they fit the horse. I'm not a fan of the flexible trees because when it flexes here, it creates more pressure there and not necessarily where it's wanted. The old give and take thing.

CopperWalkin · 09-16-2008, 09:58 AM

The Flex2 saddles by Circle Y are the newest trees developed from the FlexLite. I know this because I just bought one about 6 months ago. The whole concept about this tree is that is does in fact distribute the rider's weight evenly down the length of the tree and it does not wiggle! The
chiropracter that said that must not be really familiar with these trees. The cool thing about these trees is because they do conform, the rider's weight is evenly distirbuted which is the whole point in saddle fit. There won't be uneven "give and take" if the saddle fits, and since these saddles conform, that shouldn't be an issue. The only thing thing that might affect this concept is if the rider is extremely overweight. My Flex2 allows my TWH free movement and he gaits better than he has in any other tree. We trail ride so I need a saddle that is totally comfortable for him. You can't rope off of them but are sturdy and strong trees. I would say you need the 16".

As far as your horse, is he mutton withered and of a stock type like a foundation QH? If he is, go with the full QH bars. My TWH who is 15 hands and high withered needs the FQH bars. If he is narrower, go with the regular bars. The Flex will conform to your horse. Hope this helps.

Slim Pikkens · 09-16-2008, 12:08 PM

I'll have to investigate the newer Flex trees. The earlier ones weren't good and in time lost the properties that was supposed to make them better move with the horse.

SheZAAM! · 09-16-2008, 01:31 PM

I'm about the same height but about 10# heavier. I fit in a 16" just fine. I have a Billy Cook Pro Reiner and a Tex Tan Flex Montrose trail saddle. The flex hasn't sored my horse yet and we've been on 3 hr. mountain trail rides. I like the more forward fenders of the BC for speed events (cows/gymkhana) but for everyday and long rides, my Tex Tan is very comfy. The BC is actually a little wide for my paint, but she's not real "tanky". The TT fits her well.

Olli · 09-17-2008, 11:41 PM

Thanks for your responses

ricoman · 09-18-2008, 07:52 AM

I've ridden in the Flexlite saddle and loved it as do my horses. I train many different types of horses and the flexible tree works great. My newest saddle is the treeless Westernaire by Ansur saddles. Marvelous and ver comfortable saddle. I've trail ridden in it for a few hours on a couple different types of horses with no problems at all. It is definately not a saddle to rope in and I'd think you'd need a 16" seat.

David · 09-18-2008, 08:39 AM

One suggestion with the flex tree is set it on a table or something flat and sit on it. Have someone watching to see how much it flattens out when you sit on it. I'm (considerably) heavier than you but I know when I sit on one it really flattens out so I don't like them because I'm afraid it'll cause a pressure point on the horse's back. The thing is a saddle is made to keep you off the spine of the horse and those flex trees can sit you right on the horses spine. JMO for what it's worth.

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09-04-2008, 12:01 PM
Olli Newborn Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Posts: 18	Some more saddle questions I am looking for a western saddle for my new horse. I recently read some information on the Circle Y web site in regards to something called " Flexlite", which refers to the tree. Can anybody offer any information or thoughts on this type of tree? Also, how do I know what type of tree (bars) will be the best fit for my horse? And finally, at 5'7" and 185 lbs, would I need a 15" or 16" saddle? Thanks in advance.

09-04-2008, 12:06 PM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,447	I think that you'd be a 16...it might be a little big, but unless your barrel racing you want the saddle to be a little roomy. I have head of the flexlites, but have never ridden in one...when I asked my chiropractor about them, she said that they'd be good on trail, but not for competition because the tree can wiggle a bit. __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

09-04-2008, 05:20 PM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	I'm thinking you should consider 16" or 17" depending on saddle style. It's important that you try out saddles by sitting in them. Once that's eliminated try to take a few home and see how they fit the horse. I'm not a fan of the flexible trees because when it flexes here, it creates more pressure there and not necessarily where it's wanted. The old give and take thing.

09-16-2008, 09:58 AM
CopperWalkin Newborn Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: South Texas Posts: 7	The Flex2 saddles by Circle Y are the newest trees developed from the FlexLite. I know this because I just bought one about 6 months ago. The whole concept about this tree is that is does in fact distribute the rider's weight evenly down the length of the tree and it does not wiggle! The chiropracter that said that must not be really familiar with these trees. The cool thing about these trees is because they do conform, the rider's weight is evenly distirbuted which is the whole point in saddle fit. There won't be uneven "give and take" if the saddle fits, and since these saddles conform, that shouldn't be an issue. The only thing thing that might affect this concept is if the rider is extremely overweight. My Flex2 allows my TWH free movement and he gaits better than he has in any other tree. We trail ride so I need a saddle that is totally comfortable for him. You can't rope off of them but are sturdy and strong trees. I would say you need the 16". As far as your horse, is he mutton withered and of a stock type like a foundation QH? If he is, go with the full QH bars. My TWH who is 15 hands and high withered needs the FQH bars. If he is narrower, go with the regular bars. The Flex will conform to your horse. Hope this helps. Last edited by CopperWalkin : 09-16-2008 at 10:03 AM.

09-16-2008, 12:08 PM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	I'll have to investigate the newer Flex trees. The earlier ones weren't good and in time lost the properties that was supposed to make them better move with the horse.

09-16-2008, 01:31 PM
SheZAAM! Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver Posts: 530	I'm about the same height but about 10# heavier. I fit in a 16" just fine. I have a Billy Cook Pro Reiner and a Tex Tan Flex Montrose trail saddle. The flex hasn't sored my horse yet and we've been on 3 hr. mountain trail rides. I like the more forward fenders of the BC for speed events (cows/gymkhana) but for everyday and long rides, my Tex Tan is very comfy. The BC is actually a little wide for my paint, but she's not real "tanky". The TT fits her well. __________________

09-17-2008, 11:41 PM
Olli Newborn Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Posts: 18	Thanks for your responses

09-18-2008, 07:52 AM
ricoman Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 440	I've ridden in the Flexlite saddle and loved it as do my horses. I train many different types of horses and the flexible tree works great. My newest saddle is the treeless Westernaire by Ansur saddles. Marvelous and ver comfortable saddle. I've trail ridden in it for a few hours on a couple different types of horses with no problems at all. It is definately not a saddle to rope in and I'd think you'd need a 16" seat. __________________ Resistance is Futile

09-18-2008, 08:39 AM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,066	One suggestion with the flex tree is set it on a table or something flat and sit on it. Have someone watching to see how much it flattens out when you sit on it. I'm (considerably) heavier than you but I know when I sit on one it really flattens out so I don't like them because I'm afraid it'll cause a pressure point on the horse's back. The thing is a saddle is made to keep you off the spine of the horse and those flex trees can sit you right on the horses spine. JMO for what it's worth. __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.