The Crest Ridge modified j-bar tree has stood the test of time. Originally seen in the saddles dating back to 1880, it was originally specifically designed for mules and narrow-bodied animals. This time tested and true tree has proven its worth in the thousand of animals able to remain sound with heavy use. This style of tree had not been available on a large scale since the late 1940-50’s. Crest Ridge Saddlery® trees are individually crafted out of wood encapsulated in the fiberglass to prevent water damage,  to ensure strength, durability and the integrity of the tree. This coverage is even by the horn, no water can seep in from any source to cause damage, preventing the tree from being subject to warp!

There are three basic parts to every saddle tree: the bars, the fork and the cantle. Saddle tree makers generally make trees in three standard bar patterns. The common bar patterns are: Full quarter horse bar, semi-quarter horse bars, Arab or standard bars. Did any of these sound like they were meant to fit a gaited horse? Gaited horses have different needs and confirmation that require a special saddle tree. The modified j-bar tree Crest Ridge Saddlery® custom made saddle trees are MADE FOR THE NEED OF A GAITED HORSE! Just because a saddle has "mule bars" doesn't mean it will fit most mules, likewise our tree will not fit all gaited horses. A Saddle tree is made in a jig, we have several jigs to enable us to adjust the tree to fit almost all Gaited Horses need. The proper shape and fitting of the tree is absolutely essential to the comfort of the horse or mule. A wider bodied horse or a mutton wither horse can usually be accommodated by our adjustments.

The essentials of Western tree construction are fairly simple. The functionality of a tree is affected by the 1) Flare; 2) Rocker; 3) Twist. What do each of these elements have to do with the fit for you and your horse?
 

1. Flare is the angle the front or point of the bars lay along the shoulders of the horse. Part of the special feature of the j-bar tree is the bars flare, allowing ample room for the shoulders and head movement signature of so many of the gaited breeds!  Mass produced saddles seldom have enough flare in the bars. This commonly results in a stiff horse as the horse cannot bend his body to turn with contacting the leading points of the bars. Without enough flare the bar will be digging into the horses shoulder.
2. Rocker is the curve of the bar from front to back. Crest Ridge Saddlery® rocker(s) accommodates the shape of the back to ensure that the bars do not bridge, resting on single points front and back. This tree provides 176 square inches of surface to equally distribute the total riders weight, with just enough curve to ensure the weight is spread along the length of the bar as it should. This is an important point to consider when fitting a mule. Generally a mule has a back much straighter than horses' backs. Therefore a saddle made for a horse can actually rock forward and backward on a central point when placed on a mule. Just as a tree without sufficient rocker will be painful to a horse from bridging, a good rocker for a horse will sore a mule's back or  a horse with a straighter back from chafing and weight bearing at a central point. Crest Ridge Saddlery ® has developed a mule tree to address these specific needs, with modifications available to suit your mule. 
3. Twist refers to the way the bars turn as they go from front to back allowing for the tree to rest alongside the shoulders up front and on top of the loins at the back. A type of twist to the bars is essential both to the comfort of the horse and the rider. The bars must twist sufficiently to rest on top of the loins or they will impede the horse by digging the bottom edge into the loin muscle. Insufficient twist can also cause the back point of the bar to dig into the horse. The front of the bars are centered on the "A" fork allowing it to rest comfortably along the shoulder and ribs. Crest Ridge Saddlery® design  utilizes a close contact saddle with cutout skirts and a tree tapered in the center to improve the rider's comfort and contact with the horse (called a "narrow twist").

All Crest Ridge trees are designed for close contact. The feel of your horse will not be lost in the bulk of a poorly designed couch placed on your horses back, like so many others. We design our tree with a low center of gravity, allowing the rider to easily go with the horse, both when the horse is in gait and in the event the horse spooks, you will go WITH the horse! The Ardent Series Saddles have balanced (to a carpenter's square) deep, level seats. The lowest point in the saddle where you will sit with your legs directly underneath you. An avid rider who spends a lot of time in the saddle can tell you time and again that this is the best position for a secure, comfortable seat on a horse. Our fenders and leathers are placed over the bar of the tree in the trail position where your legs can be directly beneath you. This reduces knee discomfort and provides the most secure seat for unexpected movements of the horse. Our saddle also reduces the tendency to ride in a "chair Seat" which  causes the horse to exaggerate the hollow of its back. The stirrup tread is wide for both stability and long-distance comfort. 

While safety and comfort are important, on the trail the rider's balance is also very important. The Ardent Series trail/pleasure saddles are designed to keep the rider squarely centered, making it easier for the rider to negotiate difficult terrain. The "A" fork (no swells) and "slick" seat that joins the cantle abruptly, without the conventional Cheyenne roll allows for closer contact without the bulk often found in a western saddle. .The Ardent Series saddles assist in keeping the rider more stable, an inexperienced rider is less likely to shift his own body out of balance in the saddle or interfere with the balance of the horse or mule under the saddle. This allows for a better harmony between equine and rider. The horse benefits by feeling more balanced as well, thus both the rider and horse get less fatigued during the ride.

No one saddle, flexed, rigid or otherwise can be marketed to fit all horses. That is why the measurements of the horse and a description of the animals body are provided to allow us to use one of our modifications to ensure a well fitted comfortable saddle for your horse's individual needs. Unlike many other saddle companies, we do not try to say one saddle will suit all; rather we adjust the saddle to your individual horses needs. We do not claim that we can fit ALL gaited horses, as that is impossible due to the many varied structures within the gaited breeds. We do however stand behind our commitment to do our absolute best to fit YOUR horse, and if we can't your moneys will be cheerfully refunded!

Crest Ridge saddle all feature front hanging dee rigging, the most durable available. Hanging dee rigging consists of one piece of leather wrapped around the dee, both loose ends attached directly to the tree with screws and reinforced with copper rivets. In-skirt rigging is inferior because all that holds the rigging is 2 or 3 copper rivets attached to 2 or 3 layers of leather, sewn into place. Wouldn't you rather know the tree, rather than a piece or 2 of leather were holding on your saddle? In the event of wear, you can replace the hanging dee easily! It just takes removing some screws and reattaching the new hanging dee. If an in skirt rigging fails, you have to take it to saddle maker to tear down the saddle and replace the whole skirt, linings and all. There is no protection for the horse with in-skirt rigging; it is metal against the horse skin. With hanging dee rigging you have the protection of the leather skirt between the dee and the horse. Crest Ridge saddles can be rigged in any position, from 7/8 to 5/8 with the use of “V Rigging”. In finishing the saddle, all the leather's sharp edges are rolled, sanded and sealed with edge coating. Factory made saddles seldom have this feature which lessons the break in period and lengthens the longevity of the pads. A well made saddle always has nicely finished edges, rather than rough ones. 

Their classic styling, superior workmanship, durability, and easy care distinguish the Ardent Series of Saddles. A Professional that knows what it takes to make a GREAT TRAIL SADDLE that is comfortable for You and Your Horse designs the Ardent Series Saddles! Best of all "This One Fits!!!"

Each one is individually hand crafted, built to the highest standard of craftsmanship from America's best materials. When ordering, please specify if your tree is to fit a Gaited Horse or Gaited Mule or a Stock Horse or Mule and we will choose the tree that is made right for your animal(s). Our custom options allow you to design a saddle that meets your specific riding needs.