Hope saddle strength

[malachi]

I apologize in advance for this, but I don't know who else to ask.
I have a new hope tree from a highly respected tree maker in Tennessee. I had it rawhided by bowden.
it is lovely. I no longer take part in reenactments. I'm 225lbs. It occurred to me that the tree could potentially fail along the plane of the stirrup leather mortice if i was too heavy for it. Particularly when mounting. I've got $700.00 in it . That's just the tree and rawhide. Without being indelicate, do any of you know of a rider my size or larger who uses a hope?
Do you feel it will be adequate? I am hesitant to complete the saddle until I know more.
Thank you all,
Greg Tucker

[Stoneburner]

I've got a Hope from Bill Glidden in Tennessee that I've been riding for 20 years. I started with it in Cowboy Mounted Shooting but it's also my go-to trail saddle. I'm just as heavy, at times heavier, and I've never had trouble with the tree. That's my experience with my Hope, for what it's worth.