Gary Winckler

Here is saddle I just finished. Thanks go to Jon Watsabaugh for help with the Tapadero pattern. These are the first taps I have attempted. The tree is a Rod Nikkel ordered with Dennis Lane Card system. The fit for the horse turned out really well. Leather is Wickett and Craig. GW

I am planning on attending as well. I obtained Dennis' cards last winter and measured two horses. Rod and Denise built the two trees based on the measurements and I just got them. They fit the horses extremely well and I am very happy with the results. GW

I had a great conversation with Dennis over the phone last evening. We spoke for over an hour about his system and also about saddle fit in general. He is a great guy who presents his ideas very clearly and listens well. I am going to get his cards and start taking some measurements. A real key here is being able to find tree makers who are interested in using the information from the cards to make trees. That will be my next project....to find a tree maker interested in this as well.

I would have to heartily agree. Having looked at many of the DVD's out there I would say that Jeremiah does the most thorough job of showing and explaining the entire process.....a great investment.

I have had my Dale Harwood DVD set for a couple of weeks and have watched it through at least twice. There are some very fine points made and some very handy tips I have learned that will help my technique for sure. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the camera work. I found my self getting frustrated at looking at the back of his hands or arms while the real work was hidden. I agree that Jeremiah's series is much more detailed and explains things very well. Both are good investments in my opinion.

I have just discovered this site in the past 5 days. Great stuff you are all discussing. I have been making saddles for about 11 years. It has really been just an elaborate hobby for me really. I took 4 years to build my first 2 saddles with help from a man working at a local saddle shop who primarily did repair work. The last 5 years I have made on average about 6-8 saddles a year with about 90% of those being custom orders. Makers such as Jeremiah Watt, Monte Beckman, and Dave Genadek have been very helpful to me along the way.