Frequently Asked Questions...
What makes this saddle so special?
The Advantage is just really different in all aspects. It was created to be the perfect riding saddle, really comfortable for the horse and the rider. The saddle tree is the saddle's backbone, and instead of taking it out because others don't fit well, we redesigned ours to fit well. We went over each part of a saddle and made it work optimally, from the rigging and the open skirts to the shape of the seat. We use top quality leather. Nothing has been overlooked. This saddle gives you close contact and a relaxed, balanced, comfortable ride. We never cut corners to cut costs, every part is top quality and US made.
What do you mean that the trees allow for movement?
The horse's back changes when he moves which is too often overlooked in saddle fitting. Saddle fitting schools really don't mention it. We've listened to other saddlemakers talk about how they fit saddle trees...and one or two seem to understand the concept but their trees are not shaped like ours. You can add other elements but that does not change the tree shape. We've spent countless hours studying what happens under the saddle and learned how to fit the saddle tree to the horse when he moves. His back does not stay static. If you fit him in a relaxed, standing position, when he moves the fit changes. This can cause pain and cause him to move inefficiently. Our trees are shaped to allow for movement. People often think that the only issues with saddle fit are that they are too narrow and too straight with not enough flare. Today's saddle trees are often exactly the opposite...too much flare on both ends and too much rock. We call this trying to fit a banana to a 2X4...just about impossible to do. How do you know if your saddle has too much rock? If the rear of the bar curves significantly away from your horse when he is standing, then you probably do.
How are the two saddle models different and why?
The Classic has a tree that comes both in certain sizes based on our custom fitting horses and can be ordered in a special size to fit your horse if the sizes aren't quite right. Our Custom trees are made by Timberline, handmade to order an dcovered with rawhide. This tree must be covered in leather, and price includes leather covered fork and cantle roll. The Classic can be covered with leather as well. We'll make your saddle the way you want it to be.
What is Perf-Eq Foam and why is it used for the Classic Skirts?
Perf-Eq Foam is Performance Equine Foam. We have been using this closed cell foam for ten years in conjunction with our saddles. To our knowledge, no one else has it. It has proven to be extremely durable, doesn't absorb moisture, keeps the back cooler, and has perfect characteristics for shock and motion absorption. It will keep the horse's back significantly cooler than memory foam and protect it better too. Used in the correct thickness it won't distort saddle fit. We've tried many foams in our search for one that is worth using, and this is it.
Used on the bottom of the Classic saddle's skirt, it puts the cushioning right under the saddle so only a thin pad is needed. Endurance riders requested this option and love it! The Classic can also come with sheepskin skirts and self-adjusting rigging.
Tell me more about the Advantage saddle trees.
All of our trees are made of wood, hand shaped and the finest quality. The Classic is fiberglassed then sprayed with a polyurethane coating. The Custom is rawhide covered. Both are warrantied against breakage or any issues from normal use for five years. We use wood because, contrary to popular belief, they are lighter than plastic and very strong, and more able to withstand temperature extremes. Wood is able to be shaped individually to a horse without losing its integrity and can be made into infinite shapes and sizes. Plastic trees don't have this ability and are made in generic molds. The plastic bars are narrow due to the molding restrictions, whereas our wood bars are wider to provide better weight distribution. Plastic treebars seem to be often set rather steep in the loin, which sets them on edge for most horses...ours match the angle of the loin and are comfortable for the horse.
However, it must be remembered that the big selling point for plastic trees is because they are identical to each other(being molded) and it takes the designing influence away from the saddlemaker. On the other hand, just because a saddle has a wood tree inside, doesn't mean it is a good wood tree. Ours are.
Copyright 2011 Advantage Saddles, Perf-Eq foam, Self-adjusting rigging | Customer Service 877-979-5979 | Site Terms
Riding in Mariposa: Katee, Sue, Peggy and dog Chip, taking a long ride. Sue(straw hat) is riding a western saddle, Peggy and Katee are riding their Advantage saddles which puts their legs in closer contact and at a different angle than a western saddle.
Advantage Saddles advantagesaddles@sti.net
1-877-979-5979 home/office 209-966-4909 PO Box 1687 Mariposa CA 95338
