I get this question a lot. What is the weight bearing surface area of the saddle?
So lets break down the elements that affect weight bearing area of a flex tree (DP saddle).
- Rider Weight: If you add a Smaller rider you will decrease, or larger rider you will increase the pressure on the tree and panels, thus affecting the weight distribution area.
- Rider Density: Higher Mass (area + weight) will squish the panels flatter making more contact. Where a heavy smaller person will impact more weight in a smaller area.
- Rider Position: If the rider position pushes in their stirrups and braces back to the cantle area, then they will increase the surface area of contact of the panels.
- Shape of the horse: If the horse has more curve then the saddle will make more contact with the horse than on a flat backed horse.
- Saddle Length: Notice this is much lower on the list. Length of the panels & Saddle affects the distribution area.
- Saddle Width: Width of panels & Saddle affects the distribution area. A wider panel will have more area to distribute the weight across the horse.
- Shape: Shape of panels and Saddle affects the distribution area. For example a dressage saddle/panel is designed for less distribution than a baroque saddle/panel.
- Added Gear: Saddle pad, half pads, shims, weight in gear bags, all affect the distribution area.
- Materials Used: Density (compression and material) of the flocking in the panels. Wool and foam and leather and sheep skin all have different densities that will affect impact area.
Panels are added to a saddle to distribute impact and weight so they need to be soft, shock absorbing, but at the same time rigid enough to not collapse. The rigid portion usually comes in place with the tree. Leather tree, Flex Tree, Wood tree. they all add stability to the panels to help with the impact of the rider. Treeless saddles may or may not have a support system which is why fitting is crucial with treeless saddles.
There is no actual number that can be given for the weight distribution area of the saddle without putting a sensor pad on the horse, with the exact rider and the exact saddle and measuring the impact. The manufacturer can given an estimate based on a given rider's weight, height, build, and measure on a saddle stand. But this number would not help you with your horse and your saddle. That is where our saddle fitters at Top Hat Tack come to your rescue. We can help you measure your horse, discuss your seat requirements, and best suggest a saddle that will benefit both you and your horse.