How do you tell broken tree'st

[Magsndan]

I know the general idea but having never seen one im not really sure. How much movement in the tree is normal. Saddle in question has a few slight creases in the leather in the centre of seat hence im double checking

(btw saddle in question is a foreign leather saddle im selling on ebay for a friend who doesnt have internet. OMG its scary how uneven the panels are at the back

[DollysMum]

There are some pictures on this thread which might help: http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221076&highlight=broken+tree

[Magsndan]

It doesnt crease as much as that picture but there is definately slight creasing

Before and when tree is flexed

[cirocco]

You hold the saddle against your upper thighs front to the thighs, grip rear of saddle and pull it towards you  in a strong movement. If the saddle is broken across middle you can usually feel it.
I would be a bit worried, that crease isnt normal. I would say its broken. There should be no real flexing in a tree'd saddle thats not damaged.
There are so many saddles around its not worth the risk of buying a damaged one.

[Magsndan]

hmmm thats a shame, id have liked to have helped them out by ebaying it for them but will have to return it.

[von10]

You will get some flexing in the saddle Mags, but it is a firm even feeling. If it is broken it will be uneven and spongey. You may well hear it crack or grate too.

Y

[cirocco]

yes agree. I can do it, but not good at explaining

[Cloud_cirrus]

You can get creasing without it having a broken tree, if it is broken across the seat then you really feel it move when you put some pressure on it.

She should probably get it checked out by a saddler before selling it, they could drop the tree to check.  Other thing you can check is the measurement from the centre of the cantle to each of the studs at the front, if this measurement is different then it may have a twisted tree or the tree has been put in wonky, or it was made wonky to start with.  None of this is good for the horse.