Kent Richards

I am interested and live in southwest Nebraska and Parker, Colorado.

I agree completely with JLSleather. Buying quality tack instead of junk requires knowledge also. That amount of knowledge is a good beginning to start making your own. I wouldn't worry much about making some of your own tack not being safe. Anyone spending time around horses had better realize that sooner or later the unexpected will happen anyway. When you do have a problem it's better to plan a remedy than thinking everything is always perfect.