Modern Attire | Period Attire | Sidesaddles | Sidesaddle Trees | Fitting

Like side saddles, over the years there have been many different iterations of side saddle trees. Some were attempts to improve on previous styles and others were total departures from accepted norms.

The vast majority of the old name saddles are built on correct trees. If you are fortunate enough to get one that fits you and your horse, hang onto it for dear life. The old name saddles are becoming extinct.

Modern side saddles, like those of the past are usually built on wooden trees and reinforced with metal. From there, the differences begin. Some are set up to allow correct positioning of the billet or cinch rings, stirrup hangers, and balance strap, while others are so far off that any saddle built on them would be difficult, if not impossible, to ride correctly.

Sadly, there are very few manufacturers of correct side saddle trees and there are many new saddles built on modified astride saddle trees. While these look great, many are unrideable. In this examination of side saddle construction and the tree upon which one is built, we hope to help educate you about what you should look for before you make a major investment.

If you have a tree that you'd like to share, please contact us with photos and descriptions at info@sidesaddle.com.

Whippy Tree - Photos and brief description