Presenting the Westernaire by Northwestern Saddlery, LLC

HERE ARE SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND THE ANSWERS

Q. What is a Saddle Tree?

(a) A saddle tree is a rigid frame that is generally made of wood and covered with rawhide or fiberglass. It may have metal bands bolted to it to keep the sections properly attached to one another. The tree is placed lengthwise, front to rear, inside the saddle.

The purpose of the tree was originally to assist the jousters to stay on their horses.

It was well known that the fella’ who stayed on the longest, was generally the winner of the match! So, the framework was to “lock” the rider onto the back of the horse.

In today’s world, is it necessary to “lock” us onto the horse’s back? No!!! We do not have cumbersome armor, nor do we have 20’ long jousting spears both of which are awkward and can easily cause the rider to come off balance. It goes without saying, that “centered riding” was NOT a known skill during the days of Genghis Kahn or Attila the Hun!

The big problem with these rigid frames is that they do not bend or flex. The horse does both….all the time, with each and every step he/she takes.

(b) The frame cannot BEND! It is totally rigid and maintains its rigidity regardless of the movement of the equine back beneath it or the human form on top of it. Its function is to grip or clamp securely onto the horse’s back.

Given this information, it begs the question: How can we “fit” our moving, flexing horses with a rigid frame?

When we “fit” a horse for a new saddle, we have the animal standing totally still on level ground with all 4 limbs equally weighted. Then we apply various pads and other devices to properly shape his back to “fit” the frame. Note: the horse is standing still while we’re doing this.

Now we ask the horse to move. Then what has happened to the hollows and gullies on his back? Are they in the same place or condition as they were when the animal was standing still? Of course not! The moment the horse moves, all the “fitting” that we’ve so carefully done, is useless. The horse has completely changed the shape of his back. So, what are we to do….re-fit the saddle so it “fits” the new shape he is now in?

The most likely outcome of this will be that we use the above saddle for a bit only to discover that the animal is showing signs of discomfort. Of course this will happen….the frame is rigid…the horse is not…he’s moving all the time. The frame cannot move and flex with the movement of the animal. Instead, it digs in and clamps onto the horse’s back.

Q. So, what are we to do? Well, the only reasonable answer is to, once again, buy a new saddle and this time, we’ll be really sure it “fits” him. And, by golly, my horse did move in his new saddle a little bit better for a month or so. But, now he’s bracing again and acting naughty when I saddle him. Why?

Well, the new saddle had a tree in it that was slightly different shaped than the last one so the bruising and discomfort from it was moved around a bit. Hence, the horse tolerated the new saddle/frame/tree for a while. But, as soon as the longer rides take place, as soon as the new points and pressures of the new saddle irritate him, the animal reverts back to the same behavior. This is the only way he can express his displeasure and discomfort.

The more docile or stoic horses may not “act out” as obviously as some of those less tolerant types. They just don’t “go well” or they develop various sores and obvious uncomfortable areas on their backs. We simply must do a better job saddling our horses!

The animal’s back is constantly flexing and undulating when he is out in the field or when carrying a rider. He bends his back up and down when he jumps over any sort of obstacle. He bends sideways, laterally, when he goes around a bush, the corner of a building or curls around the rider’s leg. If we insist on putting saddle with a rigid frame inside it on the horse’s back, how can he naturally and properly bend his back?

The obvious answer to this dilemma is a totally flexible saddle. However, this piece of equipment must be able to flex in all directions in accordance with the horse’s back; hold up to harsh weather conditions; retain its structure and functionality over years of riding.

Ansur Saddlery LLC and Northwestern Saddlery LLC have invented, patented and developed Flex Core saddles that meet this criteria. All models flex in every direction and move WITH the animal much like a second skin would. Contrary to a rigid frame saddle, the English and Western models produced by our companies more with the horse: they do not rock to and fro; they do not tip side to side. They simply mold themselves to the shape of each horse and flex with his movements in much the same way as a rubber raft flexes with every movement of the water. Neither the raft, nor the saddles produced by Ansur and NWS, loose contact with the object upon which they rest whether water or a horse’s back.

Further, our saddles have a patented layered trauma system inside. Each layer is specifically selected for the job it is to perform. Certain layers provide memory for shape, “cushiness” for comfort, heat dispersion, resistance to compression, and trauma absorption… major shock absorption properties. This last requirement was brand new to saddlery when we first developed it.

Makers of rigid frame saddles try to “pad” the horse’s back to help protect the animal from localized pressure caused by the rider sitting on top of the rigid tree. The pressure points become more and more debilitating depending upon the length of the ride, weight, of the rider and shape of the rigid frame being sat upon.

Rather than to try to “pad” to relieve the horse from pressure, we have done two major things: 1) Eliminated the rigid frame and replaced it with an integrated structure that is able to flex and move with the animal; and, 2) Inserted special layers inside the saddle to absorb the localized trauma from the rider’s seat-bones so it is not relayed through the saddle to the horse’s back.

Q We are often asked, what is an Ansur saddle? A Westernaire saddle? It looks just like a “traditional” saddle…..how do you make it so flexible and comfy for the horse and still make it look “traditional?”

We have developed an internal structure for these saddles that provides comfy orthopedic support for both horse and rider with high impact energy absorption. Layers of flexible modified polyurethane open-cell materials in cross linked polymers are installed during the construction of the saddle. Each layer used has a specific function in the saddles, whether that is shock absorption, resistance to collapse, providing “cush” or disbursing excess heat.

Q. Why are our totally flexible saddles different from the others? As far as we know, we are the only saddle making firm that actually has totally replaced the rigid structure within a saddle with an all flexible one. Note the operative word is: “structure.” We have not simply removed the bars leaving the rigid pommel and cantle; we have not removed all rigid pieces and made an all fabric piece of equipment that has no retainable structure to it; we have not put together parts with Velcro and called it a saddle. We have completely replaced the rigid saddle tree with a totally non rigid internal structure.

Q. Should these saddles be called “treeless”? Or should they be called something else? There are so many “gimmicky” and contrived imitations out there that “treeless” becomes almost meaningless. Our saddles are fully flexible, totally durable and we believe will provide the “best of the best” in that they allow the horses to move naturally without discomfort. We call them Flex Core not treeless saddles.

Q. Why are they cost so much? The saddles produced by these two companies are totally hand made, here in the US. All the materials inside the saddles are from US vendors. Our companies believe firmly in supporting US manufacturers. All labor for the saddles is provided by US citizens. The hides we use are the very highest quality obtainable and the saddles are very difficult to make.

We spare no expense to provide the highest quality saddles to our customers. Each one is custom made to the order. We do not have mass produced saddles waiting on shelves to go out to purchasers. The internal structure is carefully designed and constructed to exact specifications so your horse and you are protected from trauma to the maximum extent possible.

Further, our saddles will stand the test of time. We build them to standards that will meet or exceed those of manufacturers of “traditional – rigid frame” saddles. And, we dedicated to using improved materials and designs that will offer the most comfortable and highest quality ride to both horse and rider.

We are continually researching improved materials and designs that will offer the absolute best comfort to the horse and rider. and allow the rider to experience the highest quality of performance from the animal.

Q My horse loves these saddles…why is that? Very simply: The saddle does not constrict his movement in any way. It flexes with him and he is free to move as nature intended.

Q Not all riders love these saddles…why? Some riders look to a saddle to provide a quick fix….to address training issues that can be better addressed by putting more miles on the horse! And, they may want a saddle to lock them into place so their ability to balance on the horse is not an issue. These saddles will assist with both, but will be unable to fully address either. More miles, especially trail miles, is wonderful training for a horse. And, the more miles one rides, the better one’s balance and feel for the movement of the horse becomes.

But, the primary reason some riders do not like these saddles is because they are different from the “traditional” rigid tree models. Some riders have a very difficult time believing that a saddle having no rigid tree can be good, much less better, than a treed one. They believe that the weight distribution and other factors associated with a treed saddle is absolutely necessary in order for the horse to be properly protected from saddle pain.

Q Will my horse’s behavior change when ridden in one of these saddles? How about his way of going? Yes, the behavior will change….he will relax, stretch his neck, lick his lips and soften his expression. Issues such as being cranky when being saddled will diminish if not disappear over time. His willingness to move more slowly, swinging through his back will be greatly enhanced and the “rushing” syndrome that so many of us have had to deal with in times gone by, will significantly lessen or disappear. His way of going will become “with relaxation”…there is really nothing I can add to this.

“Ride as one with your horse” becomes operative. The rigid frame that has previously been between the horse and rider is now gone. There is nothing between the two bodies except a soft saddle. Therefore, each feels the other without any interference. Riding as “one” becomes the norm…it is just about impossible to be any other way.

Q Veterinarians: many do not approve of these saddles…why? Vets go to school for a long time. During their course of study, they are very briefly introduced to the science of saddlery. The norms for their curriculum are badly outdated. The advent of new and better products and saddlery methodologies has not yet been incorporated into their study materials. Therefore, veterinarians are hesitant to venture out into an area to which they have no frame of reference. This is not like a company who has found a new product to bind up sprains or to spray on wounds. This type of product would be in a familiar area to medical professionals…..new innovations in saddlery are most often on the periphery of any course of focused medical study.

The best way for a veterinarian to cross over to these saddles is through the comments made to him/her by your horse! The lack of back problems and pain and strengthened ligaments and muscles that result from being ridden solely in these saddles cannot be denied or disputed. It is obvious. We often recommend that a purchaser take a photograph of the horse’s back prior to using one of these saddles and then follow that up every three months with a new photo. The improvement is often dramatic and only limited by the quality and quantity of riding.

For more information on the new Westernaire saddles contact:Carole Weidner 800 987 1545 or carole@nwsaddle.com

Q Gullets: are they necessary? When discussing a treed saddle, yes, a gullet is necessary in order to afford some protection over the horse’s spine from the rigid tree which can cause significant pain and debilitating damage.

With our saddles, a gullet is not necessary. The trauma absorption system inside the saddles takes care of any localized pressure from the rider’s seat-bones so it is absorbed by the layering system and never relayed to the horse plus the seat-bones are on either side of the spineous processes! In a treed saddle, any pressure on the top of the tree is relayed through to the horse’s anatomy.

However, rather than swim upstream and try to convince all riders that a gullet is not necessary with our saddles, we designed saddles that have a gullet. These models do two things: they relieve the riders of concerns about spinal protection for the horses and they are fashioned in such a way as to look like a “traditional” saddle. This allows the rider to have the best of the best: a saddle that does not hurt the horses but one that looks just like any other one.

The width of the gullet on a traditional saddle is important because it must clear the spine of the horse as the saddle shifts from side to side. Remember, the saddle cannot bend and flex with the horse so as the animal turns a corner, the saddle swings outward. This swing brings the bars of the saddle, with the padding on top of them, into direct contact with the horse’s spine.

In Ansur and Westernaire saddles, the width of the gullet is unimportant because the trauma system is so effective that any trauma is absorbed and not relayed to the horse. The only thing the horse feels is the gravitational weight of the rider and unless we don’t want to ride the animal, there is no way to relieve him/her of that weight! But, there is most certainly a way to relieve him/her of damage caused by the rider’s weight being pressed down onto the rigid tree and the resulting pressure points causing major problems for the horse.

Q Can I mount from the ground in these saddles? Short answer for most riders: probably not.

Let’s consider what happens when one mounts a traditional saddle from the ground. We put our left foot into the near (left) stirrup, grab onto the horn or pommel and maybe a little of the horse’s mane and push ourselves up into the saddle. The saddle slips a bit to the left. Why doesn’t it slip clear around? Because the rigid framework inside the saddle is digging into and clamping onto the horse’s back to keep it up there while the rider mounts.

Now then, once we’re on the saddle, we discover the saddle is off to the left of center because it shifted a bit to the left when we mounted. So, we stand up and jump in the right stirrup to bring the saddle back to a position that is more nearly centered.

So, now we’ve shoved the points and bars of the tree into the animal’s muscles and ligaments.

And then, we’ve followed this up by jumping in the right stirrup. Wow! These horses must really look forward to having us mount them!

Ansur and Westernaire saddles can be mounted from the ground. But, one must have their upper body over to the off side and/or be height to height proportionate with the horse for this to be totally successful. For most riders, depending upon mounting skill and style, the saddle will twist a bit. Remember, our saddles DO NOT have a frame that will dig into or clamp onto the horse’s back.

Q. Isn’t it worth a tiny bit of inconvenience to simply mount your horse using a mounting block, or a log, a rock, a friend’s leg up, or the trailer fender?

By using some sort of “lift” to mount, the rider relieves the horse of the frame digging and clamping onto the animal’s back. The horse is also relieved of having the rider jump in the right stirrup to re-center the saddle. In other words, you make the mounting process nice for the animal rather than something to be dreaded.

Q. What about the Individual Models you offer:

Westernaire An all leather, classical western saddle in every regard except one: It flexes in all directions with every movement of the horse. This saddle maintains it’s full structure and is appropriate for competitive/pleasure riding, western equitation, games and reining..

All our saddles are sized to the rider. They will fit any horse the rider chooses to ride.

None of the models have any rigid parts inside them. The Westernaire is currently “patent pending” status.

Q. Used Ansur saddles.The Westernaire saddles are not yet available on the secondary market.

A number of the older Ansur saddles are available from time to time on various websites handling used tack. These saddles can make very good second or starter saddles provided that they have their full trauma system integrity.

The trauma system, or cushions in these saddles must be at least ½” think on any part of the saddle that comes into contact with the horse.

A couple of the layers of the older models tended to over-compress. The most common reason for this is improper storage. Ansur saddles, like any other high quality saddle, should NOT be stored on a pipe type rack. The storage stand must have a rounded top so as to not deform the underside of the saddle.

Many of the secondary market saddles have been overly compressed. These saddles must come back to us for installation of a new trauma system. Our new systems are comprised of materials that do not tend to over-compress so it is doubtful that there will need to be further replacement. Although like any other high tech materials, we cannot guarantee this will be the case. But in all of our testing, the layers in the new systems do not over compress.

So, if one is considering a used Ansur, please be sure the price paid is low enough so the new purchaser can have the system replaced. Otherwise, the new purchaser may find that he/she has more into the saddle that would have been the case if a brand new one had been purchased.

Q. How long does it take to get a new Ansur or Westernaire?

Ansurs = About 3 – 6 weeks.

Westernaires = About 12 weeks

We can modify just about anything a rider may want; e.g., adding more padding on either side of the wither. Installing a silver nameplate on the cantle. Adding more rear D rings for trail riders. Making the saddles from two colors, or from specialty leather as requested by the purchaser

If you have further questions about these saddles, please send an email or give us a call.

All saddles are not created equal….After all the comfort we added, there was no room for wood!

REMOVE THE FRAME AND EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF RIDING AS “ONE” WITH YOUR HORSE!