Freedom of motion equine and saddle services

07/28/2026

This!! We all need to work on our
Straightener and symmetry- as it not only effects your horse over time it will cause your saddle to become asymmetric and can even twist your tree. Same can be said for horses that don’t/can’t travel straight..

02/24/2026

And who do you think they call to fix all of the problems?

This is yet again more proof of how these companies or should I say  umbrella Company! are out there recruiting every Mary, Tom, Dick, and Harry, who have absolutely no knowledge of horses or saddles!!!!! quite frankly, it pi**es me right of 😡

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dnigt8ABG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Horse Welfare Is Not a Sales Strategy.
ITS. THE . BASIC. STANDARD.

I want to take a moment to talk about something important in our industry. This is a recent saddlery’s post looking for reps that has a lot of us raging- and rightful so.

The normalization of “saddle sales jobs” without fitting qualifications should concern every horse owner and raise a major red flag.

There is a significant difference between a saddle sales representative and a trained, independent saddle fitter. (Please read that sentence again!)

A sales role is designed to move product.
A qualified independent fitter’s role is to evaluate the horse first — conformation, muscle development, asymmetry, movement, rider balance, and long-term comfort — before ANY brand or sale enters the conversation.

When a saddle appointments become primarily sales-driven:
• Brand loyalty can override fit suitability
• Inventory can influence recommendations
• Pressure can replace patience

That is not horsemanship. That is retail.

If your saddle professional cannot explain:
• Tree geometry
• Panel pressure distribution
• How the horse moves differently left vs. right
• Why a specific tree angle matches your horse’s shoulder
• Girth placement
•etc.

Then you are likely receiving a sales appointment — not a fitting.

A saddle is not just a product. It directly affects:
• Back health
• Muscle development
• Behavior under saddle
• Performance longevity
• Pain response and compensation patterns

When sales goals are prioritized over biomechanical assessment, horses can suffer — and often quietly.

Independent, trained fitters:
✔ Work brand-neutral when possible
✔ Assess the horse in motion and at rest
✔ Understand pressure mapping and panel balance
✔ Recommend what fits — not just what sells
✔ Sometimes advise not buying anything at all and knowing when to walk away from a potential sale for the benefit of the horse.

That is not anti-business. That is ethical horsemanship.

If you are investing thousands of dollars in a saddle, make sure the person evaluating your horse is trained in fit — not just trained in closing a sale. This also goes for tack & saddle repairs!

A saddle is not a handbag. It is orthopedic equipment for a living athlete.

Horses are absorbing the cost of industry shortcuts and it’s time the standard be raised.

— Nicole
Between The Tree LLC 🖤

01/31/2026

Let your imagination go wild!

The tree and panel shape Is always constructed to fit the shape of the horse. the seat blocks and flaps is always constructed to fit the rider.  the options you choose, is the cherry on top!

12/24/2025

12/21/2025

…..HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE….

Get ready for your horse to start shedding its winter coat!! Today is the shortest day of the year as of tomorrow we will start to see an increase daylight…. longer days yay!! Some of you may notice ball patches at the back of your Saddle Pad and here is why…

# The Shedding of Winter Coats in Horses: A Natural Transition with Longer Days

As winter draws to a close and daylight hours gradually increase, horse owners often notice a significant change in their equine companions: the shedding of their thick winter coats. This natural phenomenon is influenced by various factors, primarily the lengthening of daylight, which signals to horses that it’s time to prepare for warmer months.

Understanding the Shedding Process

1. **Biological Triggers**
- **Photoperiodism**: Horses are sensitive to changes in light. As days grow longer, the increase in daylight hours triggers hormonal changes in their bodies. This process is known as photoperiodism, which helps regulate shedding.
- **Hormonal Changes**: Increased sunlight leads to a rise in melatonin levels, which influences the production of hormones responsible for shedding. As melatonin levels decrease with longer days, horses begin to lose their winter coat.

2. **Winter Coat Characteristics**
- Horses grow a thicker coat during winter months to insulate against cold temperatures. This coat consists of longer, denser hair that traps heat.
- As temperatures rise with the arrival of spring, maintaining this heavy coat becomes uncomfortable for horses, prompting the shedding process.

The Shedding Process

1. **Physical Changes**
- **Hair Growth Cycle**: The shedding process involves a natural cycle of hair growth. The old winter coat is pushed out to make way for a lighter, summer coat that is more suitable for warmer weather.
- **Visible Shedding**: Horse owners may notice tufts of hair coming out while grooming or as horses roll in the pasture. This is a normal part of the shedding process and is usually most noticeable in early spring.

2. **Grooming and Care**
- **Regular Grooming**: To assist in the shedding process, regular grooming is essential. Using a shedding blade or curry comb helps remove loose hair and promotes healthy skin.
- **Skin Health**: Grooming also allows owners to check for any skin irritations or health issues that may be obscured by the thick winter coat.

Factors Influencing Shedding

- **Temperature Fluctuations**: While daylight plays a crucial role, changes in temperature can also impact the shedding process. Warmer temperatures can accelerate shedding, while sudden cold snaps may slow it down.
- **Nutrition**: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy skin and coat. Nutritional deficiencies can delay shedding and affect coat quality.
- **Breed Differences**: Some horse breeds shed more quickly than others, depending on their coat type and adaptation to climate. For instance, breeds adapted to colder climates may have denser coats that take longer to shed.

Conclusion

The shedding of a horse's winter coat is a fascinating and essential aspect of their natural biology, influenced primarily by the lengthening days of spring. By understanding this process and providing proper care, horse owners can ensure their equine friends transition comfortably into the warmer months ahead. Regular grooming and attention to nutrition will not only aid in shedding but also promote overall health and well-being in horses as they prepare for a vibrant summer season.

Its is inportent to have your saddle fit assessed at the end of each season going in to a new season to ensure the fit as horses change shape for amy reasons 🐴

12/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FX1SdZ2jZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/27/2025

Another perfect fit. made to measure by Adam Ellis a for a very hard to fit horse! Happy hunting tomorrow, Amy and Gilly

09/26/2025

Delivered this master piece to Julie today, must say her and her boy moved and looked lovely in it!