Questions
What does 4-way flex movement mean?
Our flex tree is built so the saddle can flex with your horse's back instead of staying rigid, and we call that 4-way flex movement. We do not publish lab measurements of the flex, and one customer review says it flexes less than they expected, so contact us if flex matters a lot to you and we will tell you what we know.
Can I use a barrel racing saddle for trail and pleasure riding?
Yes. Every Hilason barrel racing flex tree saddle can also be used for trail and pleasure riding. Choose the "Trail & pleasure" filter in the shop to see every style, barrel and trail, in one list.
How do I choose a seat size?
Seat size fits the rider and is measured from the base of the horn to the top of the cantle. If you ride a western saddle now that fits you well, its seat size is the best starting point. We do not give a height or weight chart for our saddles; call or email us if you are not sure and we will help you choose.
Will it fit my horse?
That depends on your horse. The listings say the flex tree fits horses with a 6 to 8 inch gullet, which is a broad range, and we do not publish measured tree widths. Wither clearance is one part of fit; a qualified saddle fitter can assess the whole saddle on your horse. Tell us about your horse and we will help you decide before you order.
My horse is short-backed. What should I know?
The listed skirt length is 26 inches. One reviewer sold an 18" saddle that was too long for a short-backed horse. Talk to us before choosing a larger seat.
What is your return policy for saddles?
You can return or exchange a flex tree saddle for fit or a manufacturing fault if the return is postmarked within 30 days of receiving it and the saddle is unused. A brief indoor fit check on a clean saddle pad is fine; a saddle that has been ridden, or shows sweat, hair, scuffs, wear or damage, cannot be returned for fit. A manufacturing fault found within 30 days of receiving the saddle is honored for return or exchange, even if the saddle has been ridden: contact us with photos. A fault found after 30 days is outside the return period. No restocking fee. Contact us first for a Return Authorization at sales@hilason.com or (713) 972-0404 / 1-888-HILASON. Original shipping is not refunded; return shipping is paid by the customer, except on items that arrived faulty; for exchanges the customer pays shipping both ways. Full terms are in our Returns and Exchanges Policy.
How does the rig discount work?
Add a saddle to your order, then add three add-ons from the list (we suggest one set, one pad and one cinch). Each group of three add-ons per saddle is 10% off; if you add more than three per saddle, the three lowest-priced get the discount. One or two add-ons alone do not get it. The final discount is calculated by Shopify in your cart, and any estimate on this page is only an estimate.
What comes with the saddle?
Per our listings: matching front and rear cinch straps and adjustable stirrups (leather-covered or anti-slip, depending on the saddle). A cinch, pad and headstall are separate, which is why the rig add-ons are here.
Shipping?
Free shipping to the lower 48 states on these saddles, with a tracking number, at an estimated 5 to 8 days at checkout. Final delivery estimates are confirmed at checkout.
How do I break in a new saddle?
We do not have a Hilason-specific break-in guide, and there is no fixed timeline from a reputable saddle source; time in the saddle is the usual advice. Please contact us and we will share what we know for your saddle.
