The Creation of Symmetry Trees

When Horseman Ken Faulkner and Saddler Shane Nash met in a small country town in Queensland, they began a conversation which grew into a joint passion and commitment to answer some seemingly simple questions:

  • "How do you make a saddle to fit both the horse and rider?"
  • "How do you make it symmetrical so it doesn't unbalance the horse and rider?"
  • "How do you make it comfortable for both horse and rider?"
  • "How do you make it easier for saddlers to use?"
  • "How do we take time and effort out of the saddle making process?"

A computer modeled, completely symmetrical, lightweight, super-strong tree that is shaped to allow complete freedom of movement for the horse, and a naturally balanced equitation seat for the rider.

A Tree that includes correctly positioned ground-seat and stirrup-bars so the saddler can concentrate on their craft, knowing they have a perfect base upon which to build.

What is a Symmetry Tree made of?

Many months of research, development, design, testing and re-testing finally produced an exact formula and process for our Symmetry Trees. Each Tree is based on precise, temperature sensitive resin formula which, under pressure becomes a light-weight super-strong foam. Symmetry Trees "Patent Pending" design represents the new expected standard in Saddle Tree Design.

What are the components of a Symmetry Tree?

Symmetry Trees are designed and constructed with the horse, rider and saddle maker in mind.

For the rider, a correctly shaped ground-seat and correctly positioned stirrup-bars.

For the horse, the correct angles, rock and width.

For the saddler, the ground-seat and stirrup-bars already incorporated in the tree.

How can it be symmetrical?

Unlike most hand-made trees, the "Symmetry Tree" has been digitally, three dimensionally photographed and turned into a computer-generated file so it could be mathematically manipulated to be completely even and symmetrical. Several companies using advanced technology were able to convert the computer file into a real object. This was the pattern which was used to make the mould for "Symmetry Trees".

Freedom of Movement

Symmetry Trees have been designed to allow plenty of room for the horses shoulders to move and allow the horses muscles to develop correctly during work. The shape of the tree ensures the horse feels comfortable when collected allowing it to perform without restriction. While freedom of movement for the horse is imperative for good performance, so is the correctly balanced seat for the rider. A tree which sits the rider correctly with stirrups hung so the rider's legs are balanced underneath them in an equitation seat, means the rider will not accidentally be unbalancing the horse. Therefore a better communication between horse and rider is possible.

For more information phone: 0427 732 394