Thanks for that. Kevin I'm also getting into fixing English tack. (western too but most people in my area ride English so there's more work to do in that area) My first saddle project--a nice little English made 15" Hartley close contact saddle that my daughter fished out of a dumpster when the farm she worked for moved and cleaned out the tack room, is just about ready for sale.
The saddle had been sitting in a tack room for years and was covered in dirt and bird crap. I cleaned it up and oiled it with leather new conditioner, and found that the leather, except for the billet straps which were dangerously dry rotted, was still very good condition. I was thrilled. You can't say enough for quality leather.
The suede knee rolls had been ripped off on both sides and the billet straps were dangerously dry rotted. I restitched the knee rolls and replaced the billets with new chrome tanned straps. Since I hand stitched, I had to enlarge the needle holes a bit but still it came out looking pretty good. I could probably get more for it if I'd replaced those now unfashionable suede knee pads with smooth garment leather but there comes a time when it's just not worth doing--besides I dont think I can make it look good.
I also replaced the billets on an old Bevel saddle which I'm keeping for my own use. Getting the skirt leather out of the way so I could get at the webbing more easily would be a big help. My stitching is solid but it sure ain't pretty. (note to self--get that heavy duty braided thread in white not dark brown--if you're going to do this for a client--the leather side with its punched holes looks fine but turn it over and that stitching on the webbing is all over the place).
I'm glad I found this forum. I'll post some pictures later.
