The object of the flexible point is to provide for more movement of the tree at the horse s shoulder. As the horses shoulder moves the flexible point is allowed to move with the horse. A rigid or fixed point as the term implies is stiff and does not allow for as much movement of the horse s shoulder. Tree Width the tree width is determined by the distance between the points of the tree. The tree is narrower or wider depending on the needs of the individual horse.
Tree width is very important to the proper fit of the saddle.
If the saddle fit is too narrow or wide for the horse you will have problems with the horses back from rubbing to muscle damage. Also, the improper fit, especially too narrow, will ultimately cause damage to the tree. The unusual amount of strain on the pommel of the saddle can cause rivets to break and eventually the tree itself will break. Stirrup Bar the stirrup bar of the tree on most saddles will be a recessed bar. This means that the bar is recessed to prevent the stirrup leather buckle from protruding into the saddle skirt and cause an uncomfortable lump where the rider s upper thigh lies.