goldpony

One of the small nails at the top of the horn cap (designed by Mincer Silver in white bronze) is raised. How do I level it without damaging the horn cap? Happy New Year to all!

Thanks Bill!

Hi Andy, The color is the middle one below "russet carving" and above "black skirting" in W&C Skirting Swatches. I paid US$4,000 for this custom saddle with a 14 1/2" seat and a tree made for a wide, short-back horse. Finding the right horse/rider combination might be a challenge. I realise I'm going to lose money either way.

Thanks Steve. US$1,000 would have been my estimate. It's good to know a rough estimate. Do you stock the Wickett & Craig brown leather or is it a custom order? Cheri

Hello to all who have been following my custom saddle woes - Saddlemaker Warranty, Seat Jockey Wrinkles, Gullet Width, and ? Cinch Placement. As the saddle is only two months old, should I get the seat jockey(s) replace now by another saddlemaker? Unforturnately, I do not feel that C.E. Gessell of Black Horse Leatherworks & Saddlery will honor the warranty and repair the saddle. The leather is Wickett & Craig brown. I'm sure every dye lot will be slightly different in color, but the leathers might blend better now. I'm guessing this is a major repair as there is a padded inlaid seat. I also need to have a longer back cinch made (can send the original that is too short). Can somone give me a rough estimate of cost and timeframe? One good thing, there is no tooling/carving on this part of the saddle.

Hi Bob, Yes, a big ugly mess. Our entire agreement was verbal. We talked in person, on the telephone, and by e-mail. The saddlemaker's warranty is listed on the website (www.blackhorseleather.com) under Customer Service. The saddlemaker is in Monroe, WA. I have done my best to inform the saddlemaker of my concerns. I do not no if my e-mails or telephone messages have been reviewed. Thanks for your thoughts. Cheri

Andy Knight, Yes. We discuss saddle fit. I was assured by the saddlemaker that the saddle would fit me and my horse. It was felt that I would be very happy with the saddle. The saddlemaker came to measure the horse for the tree. The tree was custom-made by Bill Bean. The tree was brought out and placed on the horse's back. I rode dressage for many years and we discussed the rider position, type of seat, cantle, horn, color of leather, amount of carving. I did state that I did not want ANY stamping. Notes were taken in the saddlemaker's notebook. Unfortunately the saddle has a complete border stamp. I ASSUMED (My fault - Gotta love hindsight!) that the fittings would be plain stainless steel, instead they are stainless with black inlay. I wanted the conchos (old tyme pattern I found from Mincer Silversmiths) and carving to stand out against the plain brown leather. I have tried e-mailing and telephoning. My telephone calls were not returned. I did receive and e-mail stating "DO NOT SEND THE SADDLE BACK TO ME. The parcel won't be accepted."

Hi Steve, The saddlemaker came out to measure the horse for a custom tree. I wanted 3-way drop rigging ( I had used this type before and it worked for this horse). The saddlemaker did not feel that was necessary and went with 7/8 rigging. I very much appreciate your opinion and thanks so much for responding.

The person who made my saddle, C.E. Gessell of Black Horse Leatherworks & Saddlery, will not honor the warranty and refuses to take the saddle back for repair. There are a three long posts - Seat Jockey Wrinkles, Gullet Width, and ? Cinch Placement - that describe what the problems are. In addition the back cinch is too short, the left seat jockey is curling and now the slotted conchos are loose. I received the US$4,000 saddle in mid September. There is the standard six month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. What can I do?

Bruce, I just tried the Ricotti 3/4" Wool Pad. It did just what you said. Thanks so much for the recommendation! Cheri

Kseidel (Keith) - I have contacted the saddlemaker and am awaiting a reply. I am hopeful that the warranty will be honored. Will update in a few days. Cheri

Hidepounder (Bobby), Frank & Timbo (Tim) - My thanks to you!

AndyKnight, Thank you for reviewing my post. I value your opinion. My reining trainer has one of your saddles - Wow - Beautiful!

spur2009, Yes. Most helpful. Thank you very much!

Keith, Thank you for your honest opinion. I will ask the saddlemaker to repair the seat. There is a six month warranty for defects in materials and workmanship. I paid US$4,000 for the saddle.