Locking headplate for adjustable saddle tree

An adjustable saddle tree, comprising:

• a body defining a saddle frame and including a head portion, first and second side portions, and a cantle portion;
• and
• a locking headplate for securing to the body head portion, the locking headplate comprising opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to the body head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected elements inwardly or outwardly, and at least one engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element, the at least one engaging element comprising a compression retainer for contacting the rotatable displacing element on a transverse axis, wherein said compression retainer comprises at least one insert and a threaded fastener for compressing the at least one insert against the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof;
• wherein displacing the hingedly connected elements inwardly or outwardly correspondingly widens or narrows at least a portion of the saddle tree body.

An adjustable saddle, comprising:

• an adjustable saddle tree having a body defining a saddle frame and including a head portion, first and second side portions, and a cantle portion;
• at least one layer of padding for improving comfort of the saddle;
• a covering overlaying the adjustable saddle tree and the padding;
• and
• a locking headplate for securing to the body head portion, the locking headplate comprising opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to the body head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected elements inwardly or outwardly, and at least one engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element, the at least one engaging element comprising a compression retainer for contacting the rotatable displacing element on a transverse axis, wherein said compression retainer comprises at least one insert and a threaded fastener for compressing the at least one insert against the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof;
• wherein displacing the hingedly connected elements inwardly or outwardly correspondingly widens or narrows at least a portion of the saddle tree body.