BigGameHoundsmen.com

Robin, I have a question that I hope you could help me with. I was discussing saddles with a friend of mine the other day. We got to wondering what the difference was between an Association and an Ellensburg tree, assuming the same swell width etc.

I found some old historical information on line where they said the Associattion saddle was born with the Hamley's. Acording to the article they took an Ellensburg tree and modified it until everybody agreed upon it, and that became the standard Association tree. The article never stated what the modifications were.

So anyway, that left me wondering what the functional differences are. I can see some differnces when I compare them side by side. However, I'm sure it varies from one tree maker to the next. Also, it seems the term associtation tree gets thrown around alot. If you walk into most saddle shops and inquire about a certain swell forked saddle, they usually say "its on an association tree." When some times it looks like it might be a Will James tree or something else.

Thanks,
Dan

Sorry Dan, I've been busy most of the winter and have hit mostly the cat hunting topic quickly before heading out.
Makes me feel bad you had to call because I missed this. Still enjoyed the visit though

One thing I thought of after reading this thread. Like I said during our phone visit the original paterns for the Assn tree still have a big E on them. Meaning they are the Ellensburg paterns. The modifications for the contest bronc saddle had more to do with standardizing the rigging, stirrup leathers and such than the tree. We cut the stirrup leather plugs in the ground seat different for the bronc saddles than we would a saddle with the same tree going to a hunter or cowboy that planning on a all day ride. ( not just 8 seconds)

I should be home and in the shop more from now on, sorry I missed this thread.
Robin

Robin,
Don't feel bad about missing this thread, I learned a lot about saddle trees by picking your brain on the phone. Thanks, alot of history there for sure. I appreciate you taking the time to explain some of that stuff to me and answer my questions. I'm glad I called. When I get done paying Obama and Butch their tax money, I'll give you another call and order one!

I hope you and your family are having a good spring and the hunting is going well.

Dan