fellasmyboy

Good to know. I'll be purchasing Stohlman's books either way, but thought I might have a look at others to get a few points of view and then work something out from there. I'm going to try and get out to Birdsall Leather in the next day or so to have a look. I noticed on Amazon the Stohlman books were going for about 70 bucks each, whereas at leather shops they are more like $120 each! Talk about a mark up! Thank again.

Thanks guys. Foster, will go have a look at the Robin Yates book - I know of someone with one of his saddles and they just love it. I'm definitely learning a lot from hanging around on here - I am in awe of the quality of work too, I love sitting down and going through all the old photo's. It's great to hear other peoples experiences too. Thanks horsewreck, glad to hear that I probably don't need as many bits and bobs as I thought I might have! Dirtclod - don't you hate that? lol I am actually wanting to make a western reining saddle, but will look into Ron Edwards as he might have some good tips.

Thank you all for your help and prompt replies. Luke - I have no doubt that it will be a tough road to go down, but I am willing to learn and think it would be a fantastic achievement. Thanks for your realistic words! Ashley - Thanks for those names, will look into them. Thanks Barra - Will be contacting him today to have a chat about his trees. Thank you Caroline - have just had a look through their website - some interesting stuff on there! Will definitely look into going to some of their events. In regards to gaining more knowledge, I just received a brochure from Eddy Powell about his Saddle Making classes - he charges AU $4235 for an 8 day course where you make your own saddle and have everything provided (not including silver etc..). I would do it in a heartbeat but he is located in QLD and I am in Syd. I suppose I need a little bit of persuasion - is this good value for this type of course? I won't be leaving with any tool etc.. but I will have a saddle that I have made myself under Eddy's instruction. Opinions?

Forgot to mention, I have no real leather experience besides from a bit of leather braiding back when I was a kid. Last year I also made a pair of full length fringed chaps.

Hi All, I'm new round here and am starting to think I might be a wee bit out of my league! A little bit about me - I's a Sydney girl and I believe you should ride hard or go home, which I suppose translates somewhat into my work ethic. I ride reining horses, and would like to try my hand at a show saddle (..and eventually a matching bridle) as they are just so damn expensive! Now for my questions - I am going tomorrow to a leather specialist to look into the Al Stolhman books. However, I'm wondering just how much equipment I am going to need - I know I will probably find this out in the books, but I thought I would find out a bit before I trek out there. For instance, is it realistic to think that I can hand stitch the whole saddle? What am I going to need to purchase in the way of 'bigger investments'? Also, I am not sure if anyone will know, but are there any tree manufacturers in Australia? Thanks for reading! Lisa