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.

TroyWest, Thank you for the explanation and your opinion as a saddlemaker. I "searched Flanky Leather" in our Forums and didn't find much.

I've never heard the expression "flanky leather". I will do a search on the forum to educate myself. I use a western saddle stand with wheels to take the saddle to and from the horse. Also the saddle is stored in a heated tackroom on this stand. I would understand if this was happening to the right side of the saddle, as that is the side that I put the cinches and stirrup over the horn. The right side is completely smooth and flat. This is going to sound pathetic, but I cannot throw the saddle onto his back - I am not strong enough. I use a small step ladder to saddle him. He's a good soul and never moves a muscle! Pretty impressive for a five year old! Yes, the horse is wide. Here is a pic -

bdt46, What you're saying makes total sense. You would think this should be happening to the "other" side.

Hi bdt46! I do exactly what you are saying but on the right side. I tack the horse up on the left side, putting the front & back cinches & stirrup over the horn on the right side of the saddle. The more I ride in the saddle, the more wrinkles.

Hi. Can anyone tell me why this is happening to the left seat jockey? The right side is smooth.

The latigo has come loose and slipped down. How do I wrap it evenly and make it tight? The latigo is short and wraps around four times. I've tried to redo it by looking at the other one, but it just keeps coming undone! I did a search and read the results, but I still don't get it.

JRedding, I sent you a PM. In my post I was paying you a compliment!

Billy, Me too - after spending US$4,000 for a custom made saddle.

Hi guys. I have been riding in my custom saddle for over a month now. I trail ride six days a week. I am hoping a longer cinch and the Ricotti pad will make a difference.