Both saddle trees are designed to help the saddle accept and follow the horse’s back movements during athletic function — both in training and over obstacles. Not all saddle trees suit all horses — not just in shape, but in function. Some trees are more rigid, while others offer varying degrees of adaptiveness. It is important to choose the right combination of tree flexibility and overall fitting system for your horse(s), discipline, and riding goals. Selecting the correct tree rigidity and construction can support better biomechanical harmony between horse and rider.

Manufactured in France, this saddle tree is built using advanced blended polymer technology. The internal structure contains injected soft polyurethane, creating a lightweight, flexible, and impact-dampening tree without sacrificing long-term strength.

A metal alloy reinforcement within the arch maintains mechanical integrity over time, while integrated Kevlar strapping helps maintain structural memory and prevent hyperflexion of the polymer frame. This ensures the tree remains adaptive — yet stable — under load and over time.

This tree is an excellent choice for horses that move freely and appreciate a less restrictive feel, while also offering enough consistency to benefit bigger movers who are highly responsive to the rider’s balance and aids.

Manufactured in the UK, this tree is a modern evolution of the time-honoured laminated beechwood spring tree. While it maintains the integrity and feel of a classic timber tree, key enhancements have been introduced for closer contact and greater adaptability.

A traditional spring tree works by creating opposing pressures on a laminated timber base — one upward (from the metal spring arc) and one downward (from the seat strapping). This suspended system buffers concussive forces and creates a responsive “spring” effect that smooths interaction between horse and rider.

In the NT CLASSIC FLEX tree, this concept is refined. A thinner beech laminate is used for increased flexibility and closer contact, wrapped in synthetic fibre mesh to maintain integrity and prevent over-flexion. The metal alloy spring plate is also thinner and slightly more responsive, improving the rider’s connection to the horse’s back.

The result is a classic-style webbed seat — one that provides consistent weight distribution and allows the rider to feel the horse’s motion beneath each seat bone. The tree adapts independently across both sides, offering a continuous and intuitive interface with the horse’s movement.

This tree is particularly well-suited to horses who benefit from greater rider stability, and who prefer ongoing support throughout the stride. It is ideal for less reactive or more rhythmical horses, where consistent balance and feel are a priority

All features of the NT EE CLASSIC FLEX are retained in a dressage-oriented tree shape. This tree is designed to follow the top line of the horse’s back in a way that allows the rider’s pelvis to rotate naturally onto the seat bones.

It supports the use of both primary and subtle seat aids, and encourages independent use of the rider’s full leg — from inner thigh to lower leg — especially during lateral work and collected movements.

(Classic timber laminate Spring Trees)

The majority of horse-and-rider combinations — including those training and competing at FEI, WEG, and Olympic level — perform at their best in a well-designed classic timber spring tree. Many horses instinctively prefer the stability and consistent feel of this design. Newtown offers these trusted trees within the Professional Collection.

Manufactured in Argentina in the PC workshop, this jump tree is built using laminated beechwood and reinforced metal alloy plates, including a strong arch.

Its built-in spring effect helps buffer impact between horse and rider, while a widened scapular clearance in the front third allows greater shoulder freedom. Designed to suit a wide range of performance horses.

Retains all the features of the Classic Spring Jump tree, but is shaped to accommodate horses with shorter backs.

Retains all features of the EE - SEMI-FLEX Adapted to best suit EVENTING horses.

This tree carries the same spring construction principles into a dressage-specific format. The seat is designed to align naturally with the horse’s back, helping the rider rotate onto the seat bones for improved posture and balance.

The structure encourages refined leg use and clearer communication through the rider’s aids, while preserving comfort and freedom of movement for the horse.

At the heart of a classic spring tree is a laminated beechwood frame — valued for its strength, light weight, and ability to flex without losing shape. Reinforced with spring steel along the arch, it’s designed to work in suspension, with the timber literally held between two opposing forces.

• Upward force comes from the steel spring plates, which push gently against the timber, maintaining structure and absorbing vertical impact.
• Downward force comes from the seat webbing — the tensioned strapping under the rider’s seat — which pulls into the tree when weight is applied.

With these forces working in balance, the timber sits “suspended” in the middle, creating a controlled, elastic feel. This buffers concussion, spreads pressure evenly, and smooths out the interaction between horse and rider.

For the horse, this means freedom and comfort, with less shock transferred into the back. For the rider, it means subtle feedback through the seat bones, allowing balance and feel to be maintained stride after stride.

It’s a time-proven system that remains a preferred choice for many combinations — from grassroots riders to top FEI partnerships — because it delivers consistency, durability, and comfort in equal measure.