rwc

I have ridden and trained paso's for about 17 years and have had success with McClellan and western saddles, mostly barrel saddles. It has been my experience that "most" of the Columbian saddles are cheap junk. I'm sure there are exceptions. A lot of the show people use orthoflex but I have never been a fan. Paso's vary so much in size you'll probably just have to look around.

This is one place my Tipman works very well.

A tip from the Stolhman's book says to put the butt end of the shearling up at the front of the saddle so it won't slip on the saddle pad. It has worked for me.

I love the style of the saddle, authentic or not...I read where it originated from one of the Dorrance brothers. Wonder what his was...

I, personally, would love to see a picture of a true wade tree. Can you post one?

Here is a Wade tree that I ordered from Hadlock and Fox

I have ridden it and made it for myself to ride. I've ridden a lot of saddles and probably like it the most of any...wonder why?I train and trail ride and (personally) find tooling hard to keep clean. I mainly wanted a work saddle and yes it definetly is a learning experience. I know I can do much better next time and will get started tooling.This board has been a lot of help as has my local friend Mr. Hattely. I had nightmares of it just totally disentergrating when I stepped into the stirrup but has not as of yet and I'm confident it won't. Here's another pic.

This is my first saddle to make and first attempt at posting a picture. It's a bad shot but if successful will get another made and post.

I am finishing a wade saddle using Wickett and Craig 12 oz. leather and am very happy with it. Weight seems fine and good leather. I'll try to learn to post a pic when finished.

Has anyone else made any of these out of silverware? I assume you would cut and round off the blade and drill holes? Anyone know what size bit to use for each? It looks like a great idea.

[quote name='rwc' date='Feb 28 2008, 09:13 AM' post=

Well after getting in there I'm glad all I have to do is stitch it back and tell her to send it to the factory or sell it if possible. Everyone's right....JUNK!

Thanks Kevin, Yes that's sorta the problem with the gals saddle I asked about. She has that nylon junk for the d ring rigging that's wearing and wants it replaced with leather along with her stirrup leathers. I just wondered how it was held in place under the seat and if anyone had replaced them before. On the subject of bareback riding, Stacy Westfall does a reining demonstration bareback and bridleless that can probably be seen on youtube. The horse seems to be performing pretty well. Thanks again everyone.

Thanks anyway. Maybe after seeing how it's put together I too will refuse. I guess experience is the best teacher.

Has anyone replaced the riggings on a treeless saddle?

Has one used Hadcock and Fox trees out of Texas?

I am on a quest for a poly cutting board and sharpening supplys. Would a poly table, like a long breakroom type table, do to cut on?You don't know till you ask and I've been through enough razor blades to more than pay for what I really need. Not to mention it ain't easy cutting thick leather even with a razor on rubber...duh. Sometimes I gotta remember I once was in diapers too, grew outa them so maybe there's hope. Thanks guys!

Where can I get the sharpeners you spoke of. I know it's not sharp enough. I'm cutting thick leather on top of a rubber mat. Bad? I would love to use it but end up going to a razor knife everytime.

I have a Stolhman knife and do have the book. I think my biggest problem is it's not sharp enough. Should it be razor sharp?

I know it's been asked before but what does it take to get used to using the round knife and what' the best way to keep em sharp?

I have a guys name and # here close to Memphis with over 1000 commercial sewing machines. He proabably has a machine like you are looking for. I went yesterday and bought some needles for my tippman from him a lot cheaper than Tandy or Tippman either one. I plan to buy an electric machine from him soon. PM me and I'll give you his #

That looks exactly like my bottom stitches. I posted about my boss skipping stitches and not being able to use a larger thread. Needle, bobbin and top thread all matched but I just won't catch with the big tread. Do you have to adjust the bobbin and top tension for different threads? I thought I had it going on pretty well till this weekend. I know it's operator error....

I have a tipman boss hand stitcher that for the most part has served very well. This weekend though it got to missing stitches and when I tried to load it with a heavy thread and needle it just would not catch at all. I know you have to match the needle with the thread and bobbin thread so I am comfident that's not the problem and it's probably something simple but can anyone offer any suggestions? It seems to miss about every third stitch or so....frustrating. Thanks.