I just received a saddle from a customer who was worried about a clicking her saddle had started making when she posted to the trot. I flexed the tree and didn't hear or feel anything unusual; there was no outward indication that anything was wrong. However, when I dropped the panels and peeled back the gullet cover, I found two sheared rivets in the head plate reinforcement. This is a small matter to fix, but very important - any problem with the integrity of the tree needs to be repaired if the saddle is to be used again. A broken saddle tree is like a faulty foundation in a house - eventually, it will all fall apart. So when in doubt, have it checked.

I'm getting some great input with ideas for blog entries, and a lot of photos for saddle recommendations. I'll get to them all eventually (I have to sandwich them in between real-life fittings, flocking and repairs), so thanks so much for the input and the patience!

There's a new feature coming to my blog, and if anyone's interested in participating, you'd be welcome. People are sending me photos of their horses (instructions at www.saddlefitter.blogspot.com), and I'll be offering advice on fitting options and saddles that would be likely to fit.

In addition to my employer's web site (www.trumbullmtn.com) and my blog (www.saddlefitter.blogspot.com), I wanted to have a venue to discuss and offer help with saddles and saddle fitting. I'm a professional saddle fitter (english saddles) and welcome any questions.