The Capriola Saddle Tree

A saddle is only as good as the tree under it. Our trees are all made of wood, aged and cured beforehand to insure no warping or twisting.

The width and the height of the gullet along with the flare of the bars determine the way that the saddle "sets" on the horse's back. The width is measured straight across from where the bars join the fork to the same point on the opposite side. Height is measured when the tree bars are resting on a flat surface. The distance from this surface (lowest part of the bars) to the center spot at the front of the gullet (directly under the front tip of the horn) is the height.

In addition to the correct width, the bars of a saddle tree must have the proper angle and "twist" to fit a certain type of horse. Bars are broken down into the following general categories: Standard, 5 3/4"; Semi-Quarter Horse 6" (this is the most all around width). Quarter Horse, 6 1/4"; Full Quarter Horse, 6 1/2" - 7"; and Arabian, 6 1/4" - 7 1/2".

The width of the fork, swell or pommel, is measured directly across the back of the fork at the widest point of the swell..

The Cantle width is from one edge to the other at the widest spot. Height is from the top of the tree to the top of the cantle.

Seat length is from the top of the cantle to the base of the saddle horn.

The diameter of the saddle horn is measured straight across the top. The height is from the top of the fork to the front of the horn cap.

Each saddle is that craftsman's own "work of art". They are each marked by a serial number and recorded in our permanent files.

Sample of Saddle Styles

CAPRIOLA WADE FULL FLOWER

8" Fork
Full flower Guadalajara horn
7/8" flat plate rigging
4" cantle narrow roll
Silver trim
4" monel stirrups

CAPRIOLA WADE / GEO BASKET

9" Fork
7/8" Flat Plate Rigging
4" Cantle/Cheyene Roll
Guadalajara Horn
3 1/2" Montel Stirrups
1/2 Breed Geo Basket

 

CAPRIOLA WEATHERLY / BASKET / FLORAL

8" Fork
7/8" ring rigging
4" cantle / rawhide roll
3"x3" post horn / rowhide bound
Half Double stirrup
Leather, 3" rawhide
Stirrups, twist & wrap
Basket/Floral Stamp

 

CAPRIOLA WEATHERLY / WEDDING RING STAMP

7/8" flat plate
4" cantle narrow Cheyanne Roll

 

CAPRIOLA SWELL FORK / CUSTOM

Full Double "D" Ring
Basket / Custom Logo
Quilted Seat
Dally Horn

 

CAPRIOLA ROPING SADDLE / TROPHY

Floral Border/Basket
7/8" Ring Rigging
13" Swell
Dally Horn
3 3/4" High Cantle - Cheyanne Roll
Smooth Padded seat

CAPRIOLA YOUTH SADDLE

7/8" Inskirt Rig
Full Basket
Dally Horn
Weatherly OR Swell Fork