ArtS

They look great. Remind me of Roy Rogers. Makes me want to go down and start on a pair. ArtS

When I made mine the man teaching me said if it's made to fit me I wouldn't need a padded seat. I listened to him but I was doubtful. The saddle that I was using I had put a pad on to make it more comfortable. Well he was right. I've ridden 8 hours in this saddle and no problems for me or the horse. I feel better in it after 8 hours in this one than in my old saddle on after 2 hours. Now if I can just talk my wife into it. She doesn't even want to ride in mine. After I finished mine I added bucking rolls. (You can see them in the second picture) ArtS

Welcome aboard! Lots of us old timers here and a few sometimers too. I look forward to seeing some of your work. ArtS

Have you sen this? ArtS

I'll work on her. I agree with you. Thanks, ArtS

LOL I was just thinking that the name of this topic sounds like you're talking about a group of guys in England. I say - look at those hairy chaps. ArtS

If my two boys would move out I could afford both! LOL It would be a good trade off. I didn't know that was how you used them. I thought you just chose the size hole that you needed and just did the one. I learn something every day on this site! Thanks, ArtS

I've learned a lot from this thread. ( I know what you're thinking - if he's learned a lot why is he so stupid and always asking questions ) All the different opinions is great. It means that people are thinking and that means that you care. You care about the horse, the rider and improving your skill. When I started learning to ride I rode Dressage. I'm glad I did because it taught me a lot about horsemanship. Like someone once told me you can teach a monkey to ride but horsemanship is another matter. Here is the proof and notice he's riding in position A. I agree with what Alan said. The stirrups should not have weight in them. Like the reins they are aids and if you put too much weight in them you will not have a proper seat or the ability to use your aids as well as you should. There sure is a big difference in the feel of a English saddle and a Western saddle. As far as the rock in the bars won't that depend on the horse. Many horses are not in proper shape or fitness or just plain have a different shape to them. I guess the key is finding whats works best for "most " horses and then adapt to the others. Whether you agree with him or not I've learned a good bit from David's video. I've also learned a good bit from you 'ol timers. The most important thing I learned is just how much I don't know and still have to learn. So I imagine my first saddle may be far different than the last one that I ever make. Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge and opinions. Keep 'em coming! I'm taking notes. ArtS

Thats why I don't have one yet. I've watched ebay but the good ones always go for a lot. I haven't been able to sneak in and get one cheap yet. I also thought about using a flaring tool but they have ridges that would have to be filed smooth. ArtS

That is awesome! What thickness leather did you use? Did you mold it on the person then tool it? I'm very much interested in the steps you take to start something like this. ArtS

Good job Julia. You'll be riding that with pride. Since I'm still learning I have no advice to give but I do have a question. I prefer a slick seat. Most if not all of the women that I trail ride with say that they have to have a padded seat. Since you made this for yourself did that ever come into your mind to pad the seat? If not, why not? The next saddle I make will be for my wife so I'm doing all the research I can up front. I have to make her happy! Any other women saddle makers reading this I also welcome your knowledge and opinion. Thanks, Art

They look great! Whats the problem with making them? Is it keeping the hair laid down while you're sewing it? You say you won't make another then somebody comes in with a big wad full of money in their hand for ya. Just make sure you over price it. ArtS

Bobocat I know what I call it - beautiful! Most of the folks that I'm around would just call it a belt bag. You did a really beautiful job. Did you air brush the color on? ArtS

I watched ebay until I was able to get one at a good price. Mine is like the one that Bruce mentioned that Weaver's sells. It's good enough for what I use it for. Like Bruce says it doesn't have much reach but I'm not measuring the middle of a hide. ArtS

That looks tough Chris. Is that crystal knob the suicide shifter? ArtS

Wow! Thanks, I can't wait to see more. How do you connect it together on the leg? Straps? ArtS

I used an Artisan 3000ArtSI hate to hand stitch so whenever I can I use my sewing machine - an Artisan 3000. It saves me a lot of time which I have too little of to spend on my leather work.ArtS

How are they listed? You could always buy one and then pad it with tape to make it bigger. ArtS

I just finished this pulling collar for a friend to match her saddle. I used Wicket & Craig saddle skirting on the top and Siegel's chestnut latigo on the inside. The star concho is from HideCrafters. ArtS

I like that saddle purse! Never thought of saddle bags on one. ArtS

How about using a softball, baseball or mellon - depends on her size, to fill the bra. It doesn't have to be a perfect form fit does it? ArtS

Really nice work Bobocat. The pictures were great! ArtS

Tom, Excellent! How long are teh strands before you start when you make a 16' rope? ArtS

Cool work! ArtS