A saddle with a broken tree can cause serious injuries to the horse's back. If this is suspected the saddle should NOT be used and advice from a master saddler should be sought.

Saddles should be checked regularly for a broken tree, especially if it has been:

• Dropped.
• Trodden on.
• The horse has fallen whilst wearing it.
• The horse has rolled in it.
• The horse's behaviour changes whilst being ridden, including refusing or a reluctance to move forward, rearing, napping or bucking (there may be other reasons for this behaviour).
• The horse's behaviour changes whilst being tacked up, including refusing to have the saddle put on, or aggressive when the saddle is being fitted (there may be other reasons for this behaviour).
• Buying a second hand saddle.