JLD

Hi Tina Great idea I would love to participate be warned I am on L plates Johanne

How wide would you make the strip and should I try to straighten it after I have cut it. Would straightening require stretching it

Hi, I have a full cowhide in rawhide. What do I do with it? Sound simple but I am stumped should I cut it into strips or one continious wide strap going round the hide. I would like to use it for braiding bosals etc. Thanks Johanne

Hi I would like to make a headstall with rolled cheek pieces. How do I do that and where do I get the round tube type silver ferrules (I think that is how it is spelt) from, and... how do you put them on??? Johanne

Hi, I am another Australian. I come originally from Holland and would up now living in Kempsey, which is 1/2 way between Sydney & Brisbane, We live on a property with 3 great danes, 2 cats, 2 toy poodles and 4 chihuahuas, about 20 big horses (quarter horse and appaloosa), which I am trying to do reining with and a herd of feral miniature horses (want one?) I used to work in IT but am now retired (ha) and doing leather braiding and riding. I recently started an online equestrian supply site to sell my work and other horse equipment. Have a look if interested http://www.horsemansshop.com.au I am learning more about leatherwork so I can expand my skills and will oneday make a saddle (long term goal that one). BTW Great forum and I am learning a lot Johanne

I like the silve. Where do you get the silver from? Johanne

Hi, I probably didn't explain myself very well. I am more after the dimensions of things and for example in a breastplate how I shape the curve, how long is each bit and how wide. I just want to avoid haveing to buy lots of gear in order to measure. Johanne

Hi, I want to start making some gear for my horses and was wondering if someone could tell me where I can get some patterns for things like headstalls, breastcollars, halters etc. I am hoping I don;t need to go out and buy 1 of each to copy. Does some one have some measurements patterns etc which could help me. Johanne

Hi All, I just thought I would advise that Ron Edwards passed away suddenly last week. His funeral was on Saturday. I am unsure if any of you knew him and wanted to pass on your condolances to the family but he will be greatly missed as a master braider and a vritable fountain of information on leather and bushcrafts. Regards Johanne

They are really nice. I am a bit confused about one of the steps could you please demystify please. Now the braid has been split in half, passed around itself, braided back together and the ends tied into the final terminal turk's head. WHat is split in half passed around and braided back please Johanne

Hi Heather If someone on the board can't help you then try RU Horse www.ruhorse.com They do custom work to your specs and Marsha is very helpful. I am very pleased with what I have received from them. Prices are reasonable too. Johannne

Hi,If you are after Kangaroo skins Packer Leather QLD Australia sells them pre dyed. I think they sell overseas and their quality is very reliable.Their link is http://www.packerleather.com/The staff their are really helpful so give them a try Johanne(no I don;t work for them

Andy Now I am really confused (sorry) The idea (so I was told) behind the really wide gullets and bars is said to be to allow the saddle to be LESS restrictive to the shoulders and spine. But thinking about it the further down the side of the horse the weight bearing surface of the saddle is the less "side" of the horse is left to spread the load over hence increasing the pressure. I would think that the more contact with the horses back the greater load bearing and the more comfortable for the horse. What are your thoughts?. As I said earlier I would like to eventually make a saddle and now have no idea of what sort of tree to select. Have we confused the saddle issue hopelessly with all this modern technology? or is it a fashion thing. Surely it is possible to have a saddle which will fit (or be comfortable) for both horse and rider. After all as your horse gains fitness he changes shape as his muscle mass builds so his back is really a work in progress. Johanne

Hi Alan Really nice. Did you make the mecate as well? Johanne

Hi, I was wondering if any of you have had a chance to look at the saddles being promoted by parelli as close contact. Are they? I sat in one of their dressage saddles and it definately felt as if there was less leather? Bulk? was this an illusion, because of the really wide trees, putting you lower on the horse. I am thinking (very tentatively) of having a go at making my own saddle both western and english (I know a bit ambitious) and the more I look the more confused I am getting. How do you devide what sort of tree and where do you get them. Sorry for the vague questions Johanne (aussie)