HorseGirl98

I did this pattern up for a member on here and thought I would share. Maybe I went a bit overboard on measurements, but it never hurts I am posting this for newbies (like me) . I hope this helps someone. Please note, I didn't make this. A good friend of mine did.

I think I have it all figured out. Alcahol thinned out the saddle tan to a lighter shade. I ended up using veggie oil, it's still drying but I think my backgirth will end up the right shade with veggie oil alone.

I applied it with a paintbrush, about 1" wide. I fixed it by using a 2" wide foam brush dipped in super strong coffee, let that soak in a few minutes and applied a few more coats. Then I liberally applied neatsfoot oil to the front and back while it was still wet. Looks much better, although still not the shade I want. I did the same thing to fix the crown piece. I am going to try to cut the Saddle Tan with a thinner, it's waaaay to dark by itself. Almost mahogany.

Thanks for sharing this, and everyone sharing what is truly means. I'm 17 - I interpreted it to be, well make a guess. Good info to know!

I use the wooden strap cutter, it works great for me. Use a ruler to mark out a straight line, then cut it with a knife, then use the strap cutter.

Several things: I picked up a bottle of saddle tan last weekend, I have a new saddle I was hoping I could dye the flank cinch and billets I'm making for it to match... Latigo turned out like this (watered down Saddle Tan, put on with a paintbrush on dry veg tan leather): Crown piece for a headstall (pure saddle tan put on leather I soaked in water for a few minutes, applied with a paintbrush) I'm trying to dye the leather to match this: I have saddle tan, mahogany dye, neatsfoot and leather ph conditioner - I can buy another dye if I need to... I do have a wool dauber I can use, didn't think of that last night:wacko: AND I discovered, anywhere that leather PH oil has been, and you put watered down saddle tan on it, turns black weird. Also, my new saddle has this one one side (only one side, the other is normal looking) Could I apply some neatsfoot to fix it? I don't want to mess it up any worse than it already is. Any help would be great!

I understand I won't be making anything (loosing money acutally) if I include my time. I figure it's worth paying for the materials + a few dollars, just to gain a few customers and practice. I'm okay with breaking even. That is a possibility, if I riveted some of the componets together. If I only glued it, I'd be afraid if it got wet it might not stay together very well. I'm working with the customer, I hope to make a few in different styles, and quote different prices. If the custom will order enough, I will make the drive and use my friend's sewing machine. That's a lot of browbands though! I may need lots of luck. This may be quite fun

Only if I want to drive 1 1/2 hours... I was afraid sewing was the only way. I'll eventually get a sewing machine.

I have been requested to make a channeled browband, like these http://www.delfinasaddlery.com/Empty-Channel-Browbands-Halters-Dog-Collars-Belts-For-Beading/Empty-Channel-Browbands-For-Beading-p74.html Has anyone here ever made them? I do not have a leather sewing machine, and hand stitching these would not be cost-efficient. Riveting with x-small rivets *might* be a good alternative. I have a few ideas on how to do these, it's just going to take me awhile to try them all out, if I can save some time (and money) that would be great. Any help would be great!

Thanks everyone for the replies I had a friend help me out, I can fix the problem with some different padding. Turns out the saddle fitter was incorrect. I won't try any backwoods engineering on the saddle trees. Thanks!

Howdy Hopefully this is the right place to post this questions. It may be silly, but it's worth a shot. I have a saddle I really love, but it's pinching my horse where the conchos are in the front, where the gullet meets the bars/fork. It's a pretty decent fit withought a pad, but once you add the pad it's just too narrow (3/4" pad). Is there a way to take off some of the tree from the bottom? I have a whole arsenel of tools and glues. If there isn't any way, that's fine. I hate to re-sell this saddle since I just spent a ton of money on it two months ago. Any info would be great, thank you!

IDK if this will help - Al Stohlman's book "Tools and how to use them" has a pattern to make a stitching pony yourself - I have the book, just haven't found the time to make one yet... Good luck!

Hi, I just started working in leather, about a year ago. I bought some vegetable tanned leather, and I'd like to make a light oil bridle. What is the best finish to put on the leather? Bag kote, carnauba cream, beeswax?? I don't really want to do a lot of trial and error, too expensive for me right now! Any help would be great

I usually buy mine from Tandy leather, Weaver has them cheaper and Weaver also has swarski crystal rivets.