Why aren't traditional saddles good enough?
Traditional Saddles use a rigid tree made from wood or other synthetic hard materials which are placed directly on the horse's back. This tree is great for the rider because it provides a solid seat for security and, if made correctly, can also be comfortable -- for the rider; however the story is much different from the horse's point of view. When this traditional rigid tree is girthed to the horse it is basically the equivalent of a splint on the horse's spine, not to mention the additional pressure when a rider climbs on! The horse's performance suffers immediately because they will quickly learn to limit their movement to avoid the pressure and pain caused by a solid tree saddle. Traditional saddles also cause pressure points and rubbing problems which lead to saddle soring due to the saddle not allowing free movement for the horse and because traditional saddles generally do not have a large enough surface area to spread the weight of the rider comfortably over the horse's entire back.

How do I know what saddle size to order for me and my horse?
Because the Timberline system adapts to your horse's shape automatically, measurements of your horse are not necessary to ensure your Custom Timberline Saddle will fit great on your horse. However, some horses have extremely short backs, high withers or wide bodies, if this is the case we may recommend some of our saddle models over others, but for most cases any Timberline saddle will fit your horse better than any traditional saddle.

In order to provide the rider with a properly fitting saddle we will need a few of your measurements. These include your Hip size (largest diameter), your inseam length to your ankle bone (inside of leg, not your pants size) and the largest diameter of one of your thighs. Depending on what seat option you order, we may need to increase the seat size of the saddle because of the additional padding some of the seat options offer. The sizing will vary depending on the saddle model but we take your measurements and build you a saddle that fits you as well as it fits your horse.

How do I know if my horse has a sore back?
Symptoms of a sore back can be present without swelling, white hair or sores. “My horse has never had a sore back.” Are you certain? Some of the symptoms of a sore back are:

• Won’t stand for saddling, cinching or mounting
• Has a “cold back” or bucks
• Tosses head
• Doesn’t walk calmly
• Quits working, mid season
• Stiffer on one side, more than the other
• Acts up more as the ride progresses
• Has “hot” spots under the saddle pad

If your horse has any one of these symptoms, the chances are, they are suffering from an ill fitting saddle.

Why does a Timberline saddle cost more than a traditional saddle?
Years of research, testing and refinement have produced the most technologically advanced—best built saddle available anywhere.

First start with a solid wooden tree that is fiberglass reinforced several times for superior strength. Then, add a patented flexible panel system which distributes the rider’s weight evenly across the horses back allowing free movement. This system moves with your horse, providing a fit and comfort equaled by no other saddle. Finally, add top grain leather and custom features to complete the best custom saddle ever made.