As a rider, you do everything you can to keep your horse in top condition. You train, feed, and care for your horse, and try to support its health as best as possible. But did you know that even the best management won’t help if the saddle doesn’t adapt to your horse’s changes?
Horses are constantly changing—due to factors such as training, age, diet, seasonal changes, a move, or a period of rest. Sometimes a horse becomes wider around the withers; other times, they become narrower.
When the saddle doesn’t adapt to these changes, it can cause tension, discomfort, or even injuries—and you’ll notice it immediately while riding.
A saddle that is too narrow or too wide can cause pressure, tension, and restricted movement. Often, the first signs develop gradually, so they aren’t always immediately recognized as a saddle problem.
Possible signs include:
Of course, these signs can also have other causes. Still, it’s wise to consider the fit of the saddle as part of your assessment when you notice changes.
TreeClix is a system that is built into the saddle and allows a saddle fitter to adjust the tree width of the saddle as your horse changes. The system consists of special bases that are attached to the tree points of the saddle. Using interchangeable wedges, the saddle fitter can then easily adjust the tree width.
This allows the saddle to better accommodate changes in your horse’s withers area without immediately requiring a different saddle. TreeClix is suitable for most saddles with a wooden or synthetic tree and can be installed in both new and existing saddles.
One of the major advantages of TreeClix is that different settings can be easily tested during a saddle fitting.
By trying out different settings, your horse gets the chance to show which adjustment allows it to move most comfortably. Because, ultimately, there’s only one who truly knows what feels right: your horse.
When a saddle fits the horse’s conformation well, you’ll notice that movement becomes easier. Horses can move more freely, respond better to the aids, and feel more relaxed while being ridden.
A well-fitting saddle also makes a difference for the rider. A more stable saddle provides better balance, greater comfort, and a better connection with the horse.
Do you recognize one or more of the signs mentioned, or are you wondering if the tree width of your saddle is still a good fit? Then have your saddle checked by a saddle fitter.
TreeClix can be retrofitted into many existing saddles or installed as standard equipment in new saddles from various brands. Want to know what options are available for your situation? Feel free to contact us or view the list of brands that offer TreeClix here.
Click on a question to view the answer.
TreeClix is a system that allows a saddle fitter to adjust the tree width of a saddle as your horse changes. The system consists of special bases and interchangeable wedges that are built into the saddle. This allows the saddle’s fit to be adjusted without using a saddle press.
Horses are constantly changing due to training, age, nutrition, recovery, or seasonal factors. As a result, a saddle that once fit well may become too narrow or too wide over time.
Is your saddle not yet adjustable? Then your saddle fitter can use TreeClix to turn your saddle into an adjustable one in no time. Your saddle fitter can then adjust the tree width in small increments. This allows the saddle to continue to better conform to your horse’s shape! During the saddle fitting consultation, various settings can be tested while riding to determine what works best.
No. In collaboration with Centaur Biomechanics & Woolcroft, we investigated whether the TreeClix system exerts additional pressure under the tree points. This study showed that there were no significant differences between a saddle with TreeClix and a saddle without TreeClix that was adjusted to the same tree size.
No. A changeable gullet bar and TreeClix operate on different principles.
TreeClix was developed for saddles without a changeable gullet bar or other options for adjusting the tree size. The system allows the tree width to be adjusted in small increments. This enables a saddle fitter to test different settings with you and your horse and easily revert to the previous setting if necessary.
Absolutely! Horses can move more easily, respond better to aids, engage more in the forward movement, and often feel more relaxed. Many riders notice that their horse moves more freely when the girth width is precisely adjusted. Be sure to check out reviews from other riders to learn about their experiences.
Since every horse is different, a TreeClix consultation often involves determining which setting gives the best results for that individual horse.
No. TreeClix is built into the saddle and is not visible from the outside. The saddle’s appearance, fit, and functionality remain the same.
No. TreeClix allows you to adjust the tree width of a saddle, but it does not change the shape of the tree, the length of the saddle, or any other structural characteristics. A well-fitting saddle is always the starting point.
Yes. TreeClix is now used worldwide by saddle fitters and manufacturers. In addition, the system has been studied by Centaur Biomechanics and Woolcroft, and no negative effects were found on pressure distribution or the horse’s movement compared to a saddle without TreeClix that was adjusted to the same tree size.
