Reusing An Antique Saddle Tree?

[Lymestone Canyon Hoods]

Ok guys before we get to the question let me make a few statements. I'm a professional leather worker but not a saddle maker. I have only made one saddle in the past and while it was fun, it took a long time for a then novice to accomplish.

Ok so let's get to the point. I was out and about in town the other day and found really nice old saddle that was being used for decoration in one of the antique stores here in Montana. Owner stated it was at least 100 years old, leather was deteriorated, fittings appeared to be iron. It has a really unique style. High steel or iron horn (rawhide wrapped), high cantle. Upon closer inspection I was able to peel back leather to look at the tree and it appears to be in good shape, especially for the age. No rot or deterioration that I could see. Lady priced it as a decorative item and I bought it for 50.00

What if any is the problem of using this tree? I could certainly restore it if needed but I have not had time to take it all apart yet as I intend to disassemble it and use the pieces as patterns to rebuild it.

Would it make sense to possible soak it in resin or fiberglass to stiffen it? In looking through the portions I was able to see it does not appear to be rawhide sheeted. Would that be a better option? Sheet it with rawhide?

I am taking this on as a back burner project for myself. To have something worthwhile to kill time on. Plus have been feeling the urge to make another saddle. Opinions and observations are appreciated. I am more interested to know if I should do anything to it, if it is usable as is or do I need to strengthen anything with it that might not have been done in years past.

additionally, I think I can save most of the fittings. They will need to be cleaned and restored but should be nice once done. I removed some of the wrapping from the horn and there appears to be a coin of some kind under there. be interested to find out what that is.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

I would not re-use the tree with the idea that the saddle will be used, because there likely isn't a horse alive that it will fit. If you are wanting to restore it for a display piece, you could send the tree to a tree maker to be re-rawhided. You could have it fiberglassed, but it wouldn't be very period-correct.

[Lymestone Canyon Hoods]

I plan to compare the measurements on it to some other more conventional saddle trees before trying to use it. If it's in good shape why would it not be usable as is? I have not taken it apart yet so it may be rotten somewhere but it seems solid from what I can tell.

[thunter9]

from what was told to me .those high back saddles from that era just won't fit the horses today. every thing was smaller back then. this summer I picked up a good Frazier high back saddle that's in really good condition. several told me as a work of art it great but as being usable its not . this a saw buck saddle with oxbow stirrups it even has the saddlebags built in. all that I ever needed to do was wipe it down with skidmore a fue times and its good to go. great saddle I plan on selling in the coming months and buy a new sewing machine www.western-saddle-guide.com /gallery I think this is the right web page you will see where some has done what your asking to do have fun

look on the left side and open the gallery

where in Montana i'll be there in 3 weeks between the flakes any way

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Like Big S, I agree, the horses back then were smaller and more importantly narrower in stature and a saddle from that era that fit those horses won't fit todays "better fed" horses. Re furbishing it for fun and display is always good, but; using it will probably lead to a sore horse, or a thrown cowboy, or both. Just Sayin'.

Bob