Todd

This is quite a humorous picture, however as a person who realizes the unpredictable nature of horses despite all the time we put into trying to get the flight and fight nature out of them, this scares the heck out of me. It makes me wince as a father and as a horse trainer to think that someone might strap an infant onto a 1200 animal in any way. I have seen pictures of me in the saddle with my father as an infant but never locked on in any way. To me it's a horrible accident waiting to happen and I don't recommend anybody try to duplicate this in any way even if we do think our horses are bomb-proof.

There must be someone close to you to get a second opinion from. I also agree that the pakistani saddles are crap but I have a true Aussie saddle here I'm quite fond of on some of my narrower horses so if it is a well built saddle from a reputable maker its worth riding on.

I am wanting to add more DVDs to my library collection in the shop. If anyone has some they want to part with please post here or e-mail me at grranch at saktel dot net.

I'm looking for a copy of John Hoppers "Cowboys Complete Saddle Making". "Help"

Niced job Elton. Who's rigging pattern are you using? My neck surgery is on Nov.4th so I will have all winter off to go into mass production and am looking to shange up some of my patterns. keep it up buddy.

Nice work Elton. I don't like square cut or the studs but there is no accounting for a persons tastes when you are building custom stuff. great work though buddy.

Hey there; I make map and documents cases on occasion and can help with a tip. I get heavy carbord tubes from the hobby store. This allows me to still use a light-weight chap or upholstery leather to cover the tube. This also makes it easy to measure the diameter and then cut the leather to fit as it will turn inside out to stitch and then once stitched can be turned outside in and slid over the tube. I cut the length long so that it can be folded over the lip of the tube. I glue the base of the tube which is capped on the bottom and the lip 2 inches inside and outside. This keeps the leather from sliding and spinning on the tube. I make finished caps out of saddle leather with a layer of matching chap leather to finish.

Hey Steve, Just took a 4 year old paint mare as partial trade for a Wade saddle. Have no real need for another horse (31 already) but it was the only way to get this particular looky-loo to finally bite the bullet and order a saddle. I basically took the mare as her deposit. I have ceased to be amazed what people will try to trade or barter for a saddle.

I have the 3000 myself and am very happy with it. Enjoy.

Nice work. It looks great/

Hey Elton: Nice job Buddy, not a fan of buckstitching at all but it's not my saddle. It looks great. Smooth lines and the carving, as always looks nice and crisp. Congratulations. This ones a winner. ps; I got the rivet setters. Thanx

Thought it would be nice to frame some photos of my baby daughter in a leather matt so I played around last night and liked the result. I think i will try several of these as I love the way they look on the wall.

This is a belt and knife sheath that a hunting guide in my area asked me to make for one of his custom knives with a basket weave pattern (So tired of basket weave). He didn't want a handle guard up the back of the shaft because he needs to get to it quick so I fixed him up with this set-up. He was very pleased with the finished product and so was I considering I had never attempted a knife sheath before. He requested that I didn't put a rivet in the sheath at the point but I glued and stitched it well so it should hold up just fine.

This is similar to a woman who is trying to get me to build a saddle. Her horse bogged down in a slough and layed over in the water with the saddle still on. It created a big stain on the left side and she thought a garden hose and some hot sun was the solution. Fortunately , I have enough of a client base and waiting list that I can pick and choose new clients. I only wish to custom build my saddles for people who will cherish them and care for them as much as I do. As the others have said, Its my name going on that piece of gear and even if it never gets displayed in a museum somewhere, I don't want it seen in a bargain bin either. You made the right decision.

Besides saddle and tack making, I also build fly-fishing rods and tie flies and much to my wifes pleasure I love to cook.

Thanks for the tips guys. I did get a set from Weavers and they were light weight and overpriced for the poor quaity.

Hey folks, does anyone know a good maker or supplier with reasonable rates for brass bound stirrups? Pickins are slim here in Canada.

I sharpen all my head knives by using a felt wheels on a 6 inch bench grinder. I apply 2 different types of jewelers rouge on the wheels and use these to polish my knives often, It works so well that the only time I revert to a stone is if I buy a used knife with a very poor edge.

Hey Steve Great looking saddle. I really like the lillys. As much as it is really popular Sheridan is getting a little old for me so it was nice to see someone trying something different. Todd

Hey Steve, Veteren Colony in Alberta makes really nice dies. The last time I spoke with them they were charging $2.00 an inch. I don`t have their number but if you contact Don Loewen at 1-866-677-9953 he has their number and uses their dies. I have saddle bag dies made by them and am very happy with them. They are formed well and hold their edge.

HEY BRUCE I was having a problem with memory foam losing its memory`and peeling away from the tree after a few rides (I do glue to the groundseat). I wound up going to an upolsterer who specialized in boat seats. She sold me a role of a very high density foam material which is moisture resistent. They use it to get the tuck and rolll effect in boat seats. Its about the thickness of 15 oz skirting so segues beautifully on a saddle. I have only used it on 2 saddles so far but the first one has gone through a full season of roping without flattening out or peeling away from the seat.

Can`t agree with you more Elton. They don`t get much uglier than you. how are you buddy. I`d like to see more of your work posted because I know you`ve done some killer potfolios, albums and dayplanners.

This thread has single handedly made the effort involved in becoming a member of Leatherworker.Net well worth it. i will never again be able to size a seat for a woman with a straight face. Thanks all.