Taking a Template

The front arch of the saddle tree must be exactly the same shape and width as that part of the horse's back where it should be positioned. This position is  3-4" behind the top back angle of the scapula (shoulder blade bone). It is therefore necessary to find this point before a template can be taken.

From the nearside using the right hand, slide your fingers backward over the shoulder blade until your fingers can dig in over the edge of the shoulder blade bone, then move your fingers upwards until you locate the back top corner or angle of the bone.

Then mark a point 3-4" further back. Using a flexicurve mould it carefully over this part of the back. This is the position where the front arch of the tree should be located.

Lay the flexicurve carefully on top of an A4 sheet of paper and draw around the flexicurve.

Another template in the future will show you whether your horse has changed shape. Within limits, your saddler should be able to either widen or draw in the arch of the tree to match the new template. Flexicurves can be obtained from W H Smith or an office supply shop.

Next, mould the flexicurve along the spine and as before draw this outline onto an A4 sheet of paper.

The templates can then be faxed or scanned and emailed to us at info@horseeshop.co.uk 

It should be noted that the shoulder comprises both the scapula or blade bone itself plus the cartilage attached to the dorsal or top border of the scapula. While Minster use the top back angle of the scapula as the point from which to measure, some saddle fitters use the back of the cartilage. While both are acceptable, Minster believe that the bone provides a more precise position than the cartilage.