Technical guide:
how to assemble, balance, and adjust a Ghost Saddle

Ghost saddles stand out for their structural flexibility: they feature a present but flexible tree, which provides the necessary support for the rider while allowing maximum freedom of movement for the horse's back.

Unlike “treeless” saddles, which are completely devoid of a tree, Ghost adopts an intelligent technical compromise: a flexible tree that can support the rider's weight while also following the movement and muscle variations of the horse in every direction — twisting, bending, and opening.

The Ghost tree is the main element of the saddle, positioned under the seat.
It is characterized by:

• High multidirectional flexibility, both longitudinal and transverse;
• Structural resistance, sufficient to support the weight of the rider without stiffening the horse's back;
• Ability to adapt to the musculature and conformation of the back.

Tree sizes

The tree is available in multiple sizes to fit both the horse and the rider:

• Size medium (M): suitable for small or medium horses;
• Size large (L/XL): ideal for horses with a wide back and developed musculature;
• Specific versions for ponies and children.

Thanks to its intrinsic flexibility, the Ghost tree can follow the natural opening of the horse's back during movement, proving to be extremely versatile and adaptable to different morphologies and physical conditions (for example, growing horses or those undergoing condition changes).

The Ghost seat size is determined by the tree size, indicated in inches (") and centimeters (cm). This measurement defines the seating space for the rider and also affects the overall length of the saddle base.

Available sizes (tree) by model

Ghost

• Small: 16.5" (42 cm)
• Large: 18" (46 cm)
• Child: 16" (40 cm)
  

Ghost E

• Small: 14.5" (37 cm)
• Large: 16" (40 cm)
  

Spanish

• Small: 16.5" (41 cm)
• Large: 17.5" (45 cm)
  

Cavallin

• Small: 16.5" (42 cm)
• Large: 18" (46 cm)
  

Very compact sizes for small children

• Midi: 14" (35.5 cm)
• Mini: 12.5" (32 cm)
  

How to navigate the choice

In general:

• a smaller seat is recommended for petite/young riders and often helps on horses with short backs;
• a larger seat offers more space and comfort, useful for adult riders or when a less compact seat is desired.
  

Finally, the seat can be adjusted using internal or external cushions, which modify depth, support, and balance, without changing the actual tree size.

The choice of the Ghost seat size should always be evaluated considering the rider, horse, and saddle configuration together.

The size indications are for guidance only and do not replace a personalized assessment.

One of the strengths of Ghost saddles is the modularity of the panels, which are completely removable, replaceable, and adjustable.

The cushions serve to:

• Improve the rider's comfort (e.g., support for the coccyx or ischium);
• Correct any imbalances in the seat;
• Promote a better weight distribution on the horse's back.

It is possible to use different types of cushions:

• Rear: to raise the pommel and reduce the depth of the seat;
• Front: to compensate for horses with a pronounced withers;
• Intermediate: for a more uniform or cushioned seat.

Thicknesses and internal materials

Inside the panels, there are interchangeable padding of different densities:

• Soft, for greater comfort;
• Supportive, to increase lift;
• Rigid, for greater stability.

The thicknesses can be of various sizes (1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm) and positioned:

• At the front, to raise the withers (the “withers-lift” effect);
• At the back, to raise the pommel;
• Intermediate, to rebalance the weight or compensate for unevenness in the back.

These elements can be placed:

• Inside the cushion,
• Or between the saddle and the panels, making adjustments quicker between different horses.

The Ghost saddle allows you to customize the position of the stirrup to adapt the rider's posture and improve balance:

• A front ring, which brings the leg into a more advanced position;
• A rear ring, for a more retracted and aligned leg.

It is also possible to insert a support strap under the seat, equipped with an additional ring, to adjust the leg position even more precisely.

Ghost offers two options for the girth balancing:

1. Fixed attachment (“pure”): keeps the girth position constant;
2. Self-balancing system: allows you to move the point of pull forward or backward based on the horse's conformation, improving the saddle balance and the comfort of the back.

This system allows for precise adjustment of the girth position and reduces pressure in sensitive areas.

Under the arch, there are support cushions, which are also removable and adjustable.
They define the spinal channel, ensuring freedom for the horse's spine.

Ghost provides a reference indication of the average distance between the two cushions; however, the rider or fitter can:

• Widen the channel for horses with a wide or muscular back;
• Narrow it for slimmer subjects or those with a pronounced withers.

The cushions can also be moved forward or backward depending on balancing needs.

For large horses, it is possible to order XL cushions, which are wider and better able to distribute the rider's weight.

Each Ghost saddle model has its dedicated underpad, shaped to fit perfectly with the line of the gullet and the seat (e.g., Roma model, dressage, endurance, etc.).

The underpad features:

• Openable pockets for inserting pads;
• Anatomical shaping to follow the horse's back;
• Compatibility with different densities of padding.

The internal pads can be:

• Single (one whole panel);
• Or modular, with front, middle, or rear inserts for fine balancing.

In this case as well, the pads vary in height from 1 cm to 2 cm, and are chosen based on the need for protection and positioning.

The correct balancing of the Ghost saddle is achieved by adjusting:

• the position of the panels,
• the thickness of the saddle pad,
• the adjustment of the girth,
• and the attachment point of the stirrup leather.

During the test, it is important to check:

• that the saddle is centered and stable on the back;
• that the spinal channel remains clear;
• that the horse moves freely and symmetrically.

Fine balancing allows for an optimal weight distribution, enhancing the comfort of the rider and the health of the horse.

The Ghost saddles offer unique versatility and customization in the modern equestrian landscape.
Every element — from the flexible tree, to the modular cushions, to the adjustable saddle pad — is designed to fit perfectly with the horse-rider pair, ensuring comfort, balance, and freedom of movement.

The correct balance, choice of sizes, and adjustment of thicknesses are essential to make the most of these saddles' potential and to maintain the horse's well-being over time.