Trav. Half leathers will have less bulk under your leg.Most saddles I build for cowboys are rode hard at a trot.Alot of wieght is put on the leathers all day.Pleasure ridders can get away with 2.5" half leathers fine.That would make even less bulk .Put that ontop a skirt rigging and you even get less.
Steve
Bruce,I build mostly cowboy saddles soI use full 3 in. leathers.unless ordered halfs.We still use laces on a few saddles.
The only saddle I am comfortable putting 2.5" leathers in are cutters and maybe ladies ,but they would have to be ordered that way.I guess I'am old school.
Steve
What is your thoughts on these carbon fiber trees?They have been around a while.On another site I go to they talk alot about them.Never used one myself,but wonder how they fitand if they hold up?
Steve
I just got the oil set on this saddle.Ring rigged 3/b,small square skirts,no.4 dally horn 3"cap.She wanted this arrow basket stamp.The cantle is 4" high,10.5" wide and 1"dish
Shelly,What I said was there is nothing wrong with a Skirt Rigging.I really Like flat plate or a skirt rigged saddle.My most ordered saddles are flat plates and ring riggings set at 3/4 or 7/8s
Steve
Joanne,Inskirt rigging saddles are just as strong as any other.They all need to be put in right.I just got a saddle to repair with a skirt rig,it needs wool skins and leathers.The rigging is still sound.This saddle has had alot of big cattle roped and a lot of calves branded out of it.I built the saddle 26 yrs. ago.
Steve
Just finished sewing a cantle binding on a ladies saddle.The main thing is get a good seat.Every one has covered the rest .I think a Skirt Rig is fine,But a plate or ring put in right should still be just as narrow.2.5" leathers would help with the bulk.
Steve
During the 1980s I ran a ranch here.Always looking for horses.Traded a nice wade saddle for a 4 yr. old gelding.Ended up being a Bronco.Broke my right arm.Sold him 4 times and got him back each time.
Steve,Traded a bay horse for a basket stamped saddle.Was not a very good trade.From then on I tell them sell the horse and I will trade for cash.
Steve
Elton,I don't mind the same carving patterns .Been carving Calif. wild rose and acorn patterns for 30 yrs.Now I am getting pointed skirts on ruff-outs,basket stamped,and carved saddles.Maybe a person needs to charge a little more for them.
Steve
[i have been getting some orders for pointed skirts on saddles.Kind of thinking it's a trend.Is anyone else taking these type of orders?I like building them,but they take more time fitting and use more materials.
My tree makers 3bs are made to fit todays horses.When the original Visalia 3b was made,the backs of horses tended to be narrow,with higher withers.I use one Tree maker now and my trees are made to my own specs.I just posted a Pointed Skirted 3b .It is true to the Visalia style .When I get time I will post a bare 3b
Steve