thecowboy7

Thanks! I used a combination of vinegar and the oven. You can google it. There are several options out there to choose from. I can't quite remember which one I used, but if I find the link I will post it.

Glad you like them! Sorry it took me awhile to reply. It's been super busy in the shop. I used 9/10 oz Herman Oak for the leather. I most always use HO b/c I really like using it and feel it's hard to get any better quality leather for good using tack. As for the lining... no, these are not lined but the customer didn't want them lined. I did make sure the tabs were as recessed as I could get them. I usually do put a lining on my spur straps if there is any sort of decorative hardware. I still haven't settled on what weight of leather I like for my linings. Just as a curious side-note - I am currently making a set of spur straps for a customer who wants them lined with sheepskin!

Just finished these up... think I would use smaller dots for the perimeter next time. Other than that and a couple of stamping issues I'm happy with 'em! (was also my first attempt at aging brass as the buckles were new and shiny, especially when compared to the dots). ~David

Thanks for chiming in. I see what you're saying with the skirts, but in person they really don't look all that out of place. Doesn't seem to affect the way it sits on the horse at all. Still, after looking and re-looking at the saddle (ok, I may have spent a good 1/2 hour going over it this afternoon) I agree those skirts are a tad bit high. Thanks for pointing that out. As for the Blevins... was intended to be lower but the inseam measurement I took was off just a bit... couple that with the balanced ride set-up and I ended up having to raise the stirrups up for the shorter inseam. For a taller person I think they'd sit fine. I don't think I'll do the balanced ride again unless someone really presses me for it. I like the way it rides but there definitely isn't very much adjustment in the stirrups! Again, thanks for the advice. Much appreciated! ~ David

CW, Thanks for the compliment and the advice. The seat jockey was definitely one of those things I would do different. It just doesn't sit right (pun definitely intended) to me. I like your idea of running it to the center of the swells before the upswing. Thanks for the input! ~ David

Thanks Randy! You'll really like building a Will James. My tree came from Randy at Timberline Trees. Very happy with it. And yep, I do have a shop in Fredonia. My wife's family is from the area. We've only been here since Nov, and the shop is just now up and running (and by that I mean it's in my garage lol). Hey Brandon! Yep, I did work for RTR and remember going on a few rides with ya. You came by to rope with us a few times also, right? My folks live in Del Norte, so I do a few orders for folks in the area that they know. I'm usually there a bit in the summer, and would really like to get some outfitter permits for the area sometime in the future. Next time I'm there maybe I can swing down and say howdy.

Howdy folks... got my first saddle finished (and starting on another when the tree gets in next week). I built this while at Dale Moore's shop in Belgrade, MT... was very fortunate to get to help build 2 other saddles before starting this as my first solo project. I'm pretty pleased with the results, but definitely see a few things I'll do differently on my next project. Specs: 15-1/2" Will James w/13" swells Wood Post Horn Half-breed design San Carlos Border w/tooled jockeys 7/8 Flat Plate Rigging 5" Cantle (tooled) I'll try to take some more pics today and put them in an album. This is first time posting pics so I hope they show up ok... Any and all feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks! ~ David Twin Mountain Saddlery Fredonia, KS ~ Del Norte, CO www.twinmountainsaddlery.com

Nice lookin' saddle! Keep up the good work

Guess I might as well jump on the bandwagon... would be great if you could add me, too. Thanks!

Hi Aurelie, I am really enjoying Dale's class... very glad I decided to come here! We are almost done with the demo saddles, and then will be starting on our own. I will let you know how things are going. Adios for now... David PS you are right... Dale is great!

No problem... Your pad setup sounds really similar to mine. Also, I totally agree about making sure the saddle isn't too long. Mine works great on the bigger ranch horses, but on smaller stock and colts it's a bit much. I'll be starting to build my first saddle middle of this month, and I'm shooting for something that I can use on a bigger variety of horses. Oh, and I'm definitely lookin' forward to seein' your saddle when it's all finished!

Your carvings are fantastic... and now I find myself craving a Shiner.

Very nice work!

Ron - Just an FYI... while most of my arena pads are around 30", all of my pads for daily ranch work and ridin' in the mountains are at least 32" long. I even have a nice Coolback pad that is 34" long. It costs a little more to get them, but I've found that when riding sometimes 50-60 miles a day with saddlebags on the back and gear on the front, a long pad goes the extra-mile in protecting the horse. Some might think it's overkill, but I've never had a horse complain

Looks great so far! As far as your skirt length is concerned... as long as it doesn't impede the movement of your horse, then do what you think is right. For comparison sake, I've got a 16.5" wade that has a 28.5" skirt length. It's a fairly long saddle, but fits my big ranch horse really well. In the end, that's what really counts. Also, with skirts that long you'll need longer saddle pads $$$ Hope that helps! David