To flex tree or not...

Hi all!

So, I've decided to pick up a Fabtron Lady Trail Saddle for a first, affordable saddle since I've had trouble finding a second-hand one that I like (and this one has rave reviews from a lot of first-time and old-time buyers). However, this saddle comes with either a regular tree or with a Ralide flex tree. I've read a lot of pro-con information about the flex tree, but I still can't make up my mind. I am 135# (way below the 200lb recommended limit that I've heard about) and plan to use the saddle on my QH mare for training and trails.

Any thoughts? Should I stick safe and go with a regular tree, or do you guys think that the flex tree nay-sayers are just fussing about nothing?

Thanks!

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The Ralide Flex Tree is the only Flex Tree that does not have a weight limit, that being said, IMO save the extra 45.00 for the Flex Tree upgrade and buy a more expensive pad, like a 1" thick wool pad.

Flex Trees are more hype than benefit IMO, a higher quality pad gives extra comfort for the Horse, just as the flex tree is supposed to do.

Flex Tree have no effect for fitting various sized Horses......


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Go for the flex tree.

Be warned, your horse may end up being particular and hate treed saddles afterwards! My Arab loves his treeless saddles that much.
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I highly recommend riding in a flex tree before buying one! I thought about getting one since people go on and on about how wonderful they are but the one time I rode in one I HATED it! Glad I didn't buy one!
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There is a discussion of flex trees here:

What is a Flex Tree?

I don't think they do much to help a saddle fit better, although they might be a little more comfortable to the horse if the saddle already fits.

Both my circle y saddles are flex 2 trees. Never thought too much about it. Geesh, guess I need to go read the thread about them.
Love mine tho. Maybe they are not all the same??