Freedom of motion equine and saddle services

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!

09/24/2025

Struggling to fit your high long wither horse, can’t find that perfect fit? Tired of feeling like you're stuck in a chair seat? Say goodbye to those frustrations! Introducing the ultimate solution: long points, drop front panels, and deep back gussets that create the perfect balance. Get ready for a riding experience that transforms your balance in the seat and your horses comfort and performance!

09/19/2025

When ordering a bespoke, made-to-measure saddle, it is crucial for owners to maintain their horse's weight, muscle mass, and fitness level as close as possible to the measurements taken at the time of purchase to ensure an optimal fit. These saddles require a minimum of three months for delivery. Therefore, I recommend using a weight tape. As a horse owner myself with a young, growing five-year-old, this will be his third saddle due to his changing physique. I hope this saddle will be the last one needed for a long time.

07/08/2025

Here’s a peek at how saddle trees are designed and made. Some saddle makers have their own templates unique to their specifications. Adam Ellis Saddles has his own trees made
(not by this company) to his specifications. They are also reinforced, unlike the standard tree that comes off the conveyor belts. He also customizes them to fit the shape of the horses back based on my temple’s and measurements to ensure the perfect fit.
To have a saddle tree mold made incurs a great initial costs and time

Join Jade from The Saddle Bank for a rare look inside Ideal Saddles Tree at Crosby House — the factory where every single tree is designed, shaped, and stren...

07/02/2025

Why do I recommend an adjustable saddle for young horses during their developmental stages? Young, growing developing horses undergo rapid changes in shape, not only in width, but also throughout the withers, back, and hind end. This particular horse has experienced significant changes in both width and back shape, necessitating a tree shape adjustment. He will require his third saddle in less than two years, progressing from a XXW open, flat tree to a semi-open, curved, wide tree. As he remains quite uphill, customized, made-to-measure panels will also be necessary. This is why I recommend a adjustable saddle for the young ones!