I'm not sure whether someone is referring to the generic flex tree saddles, or the specific brand name "flex tree" which is a brand of tree made by the Steele Saddle Co. A propriatory saddle by Steele is used in the flex trees of the Parrelli Saddle--the last time I looked--in addition to a number of large saddle manufacturers that do high volume sales. Flex tree saddles are extremely popular now with Barrel racers and custom tree makers(think high end saddles) do not like them. It should be said that regardless as to what tree is used in the manufacture of a saddle, the most important issue is not how the trees ae made, but how they fit the horse. Unfortunately, because of the design of both the English and the Western Saddle, proper saddle fit is very difficult if not near impossible unless you hand fit a tree to the horse before you make it. While I have heard negative reports on Flex trees, I have also heard negative reports on all kinds of saddles. The treeless saddles--like the Bob Marshall-- get a worse rap than the flex tree saddles. After reviewing the Steele website, the next saddle I build I will be using one of their trees, so I can give first hand information about how easy they are to build on and how well they ride. When that is completed, I will post an addendum to this thread.

I have had a flex-tree saddle for a flat backed almost no withered horse for about a year, & it has seemed to fit quite well. It does not ride forward like my other saddle does.

I am considering treeless for my horse, a very broad backed with no withers lipizzan. Every saddle I've had on her eventually ends up too far forward and pinches her withers. Anyone know if a treeless saddle would help eliminate this problem? Thanks for your input!

I have treeless saddle, and love it, comfortable, not too expensive, fits every horse. My daughter has BobMarshall treeless. I think this is probably the best. The treeless is also light. Missing the tree not meant for roping and other disiplines needing a horn........I do love it........

I have heard bad things about the flex tree saddles breaking down over a short period of time. Does anyone have any info on this? I had one for a short period of time, I loved it and so did my horse...a friend and I are having a discussion on this topic. My saddle guy says they are bad news. He refuses to even build a saddle on one. Are there any real studies on this? Or just hearsay? Lea WannaBeRanch (Wanna#2)