There is some substance to the statement that there is no such thing as a “gaited saddle”. There are some saddles on the market that work great on the Gaited breeds just as there are some Gaited saddles on the market that work well on Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Appendix bred Quarter Horses.  Additionally, there are some Mule saddles that work well on some horses, and some horse saddles that work well on some mules.
A Saddle Company cannot just have one or two trees and market them to fit  ALL breeds or  mules, gaited or otherwise.  The fact is that most saddle companies do not own their own trees at all, but instead purchase them from other commercial tree builders. The buyer should beware of companies that claim that this one (or two) trees that they have fit them all. Our Company owns 18 trees and still cannot fit them all.
At Crest Ridge Saddlery® we do not try to sell you a one-type-fits-all saddle. We would rather you measure your horse and send in photos we that we can recommend the tree that best suits your horse and you.

A horse is horse and a mule is a mule. They both have muscle and skeletal structure which have to be accommodated in the fit of a saddle or they will end up with a sore back, loss of range of motion in stride or in some cases, injury and/or atrophy of muscles from a poorly fitted saddle.  
A great saddle starts with great craftsman. Our 4 Master Saddle Builders have a combined experience of over 60 years experience in building saddles, and they and their sons are carrying on the tradition of quality craftsmanship with Crest Ridge. Crest Ridge Saddlery® chooses the finest materials and leathers to compliment our custom trees.  We do not use someone else's trees:  we chose to design our own.

Today's consumer is besieged with information, both online and off, about saddle fit. So much so, that the average horse owner has become confused by the overflow of opinions from “experts” and others. So how do you know which saddletree will best suit your horse? We have a very simple process for the horse owner to provide Crest Ridge with the measurement information we need so we can tell you if one of our saddle lines will suit your horse. We ask that you take measurements, which you can find instructions on this page to follow, and if necessary follow up with photos of the horse. Usually with the measurements and photos, we can get the fit right on the first attempt!

To shorten the building process, Crest Ridge Saddlery now keeps a good supply of the most commonly used trees in stock.  There are some instances of rider size/horse width combinations that require a  special order. There are a small percentage of horse conformations that we cannot provide for and we are honest enough to convey that right from the start, rather than waste your time and money.

Rider position will influence and change the center of gravity of the horse. Crest Ridge saddles put the rider in a deep centered position; this will help the horse to gain more stability.  With the saddle better balancing the rider on his back, the horse becomes maneuverable, distributing the weight equally on all four legs thus enabling him to engage his hindquarters, which is important in all breeds, gaited or otherwise.

A good center balanced tree puts the rider in the area of the lowest (last) vertebrae of the horse’s wither and the first (even) vertebrae of the back. The deepest part of the saddle should be in the same area because the rider is to sit in the deepest part. Most novice riders have a feeling of insecurity and develop a seat that tends to stick the legs forward, pushing on the stirrups to prevent them from feeling like they are falling over the neck of the horse; this causes a constant sliding to the rear of the saddle. A higher pommel and cantle can provide the security necessary, while still allowing the rider to achieve a centered position, and prevent hindering the horse's movement. Otherwise you often end up with a stiff, unbalanced horse. 

The saddle should be large enough so the rider distributes his weight in the center of the saddle, not pressing into the cantle and putting the bulk of his weight on the rear portion of his gluteus maximus and seat bones.

A tree that is made with the fender slots angled forward allows the rider to position his legs out in front of his torso. In this position, if the horse happens to spook and bolt, often the rider is propelled out of the saddle because the heaviest part of the body is the rear end. Often the horse will try to compensate for rider imbalance of the Forward Position saddle tree by leaning more into the bit or refusing it altogether, thus traveling on his forehand. This is demonstrated in horses flexing in the center of the neck, rather than at the poll and often either refusing the bit and going behind vertical, or pulling into the bit.  This type of saddle also pushes the weight of the rider more onto the loin or withers, hence causing great discomfort to the horse and often making him sore in the back, shoulders and/or the withers area.  

Center balanced trees can prevent a lot of riding accidents because the feet are positioned directly under the rider and the center of gravity is much improved.  
 
 
 

The Drawing to the right depicts a light Calvary horse and rider. The Rider fought FROM the horse, the rider's security in the saddle was paramount, as was the maneuverability of the horse and the balance of the horse and rider. Notice the rider is in a CENTERED seat position: the horse has his neck breaking AT the poll with light contact on the bit.

Click on image to see larger version.

Crest Ridge stands behind our products 100%. We give a 3 day trial period on our saddles to enable you to ride your horse and determine the fit and comfort for both you and your horse with our saddles. Crest Ridge saddles have always been designed with the comfort and safety of the rider in mind. Our new line of saddles is no exception. 

Repeat: There is no such thing as a GAITED SADDLE…. And we agree, BUT there is such a thing as a saddle that is manufactured and designed with the needs of a gaited horse in mind. Crest Ridge Saddlery® invites you to find out for yourself the difference that can make to you and your horse!