Cattledude

...if you were closer, I'd take you out calling! I've only shot four this week...

VERY NICE!!! The riser looks good, too!

Take a look at Panhandle Leather, they have a good selection of hardware and the are good folks to deal with. Weaver should have what you need as well... Merry Christmas to all!

I've had a roller guide on a Ferdinand 900 B and never used it, traded up to a Cobra Class 4 without a guide and haven't wanted for one . I use a stitching groover and follow it with my eye... You might try stitching before you spend the $ on one, you may do just fine without it. I guess it also depends on what you are making as well.

Just a thought... Rear D placement should be measured from the front D and not the cantle due to the size of the seat. A 13" seat is a lot different than a 16" seat.

Well done, pics are kinda small but it looks good!

I'm happy with my Cobra 4 and the service from Steve and staff. I sold a Ferdinand 900B to buy the Class 4 and have not had any regrets. I have not used any of the others on your list. Not a lot of help, just my 2 cents worth. If at all possible, go test drive your chosen list and see how they compare.

Nice job! My 3rd didn't look that good... If you don't mind, who made the tree? It looks like a OY without leg cuts? Very clean lines and your tooling and pattern are really good. I see a style emerging...!

Great job! Your sewing is very nice. Good design as well.

I use leftover oiltan chap leather. I believe it is better for your horse and sweat doesn't harden it as much as vegtan, keeps the headstall soft longer.

I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. She said "a divorce". I told her that I wasn't planning on spending that much....

Nice! Well done...

I like the figure 8 style, easy to use and they hang well from your back "D" or buckle around your horses neck if your country isn't brushy. They are easy to make and the only hardware is the buckle.

I have used olive oil instead of NFO for about 3 years. I really like the color I get and it holds up pretty good on tack from saddles to breast collars, both see a lot of abuse in my country. I also melt beeswax in it for tack and holsters, just like everyone else, I don't know what the ratio is.

Good job on the leather and very nice blades....

Take a look at Makers Leather Supply, he has what your looking for( if I understand what you want). It's Tyvek under "must have" supplies on their web page. Good folks to deal with.

BNP, Thanks for the history. I'd like to see more of this style come back, there's something special about an old saddle...!

You can use an old belt cut down, a heavy dog collar works, or you could unravel a piece of head rope and do a 3 strand braid. If you want to make a leather one, I'd use a strip of 13/15 skirting about an inch wide and use a good stout buckle, stainless would be my choice, and rivet it on with copper rivets. Give it a good oiling and your good to go. Don't forget to check it once in a while just like your cinch hobble and latigo, a failure could be a bad wreck!

Nice work! Is that Porter style, I think that's what they call it...?

If you have any moisture in the leather the tracks will be more pronounced. Just a thought...

I agree, crooked pedals definitely help with ankle, knee, hip, and back alignment. They are especially noticeable if you spend hours in the saddle. I use Don Orell's on my personal saddle, he will make about any kind of stirrup you can imagine from plain oak to exotic wood. They are not cheap but neither is a custom rig... I recommend them to all my cowboy and team roper friends and haven't had anyone go back to regular pedals.

I just oil as usual, the roughout will darken of course but it will lighten up after a few days. I don't oil where I need the glue to hold. This is just my method, it may not be right for you... Your actual mileage may vary, void where prohibited by law...!

Take a look at Bowden Saddle Tree Co. They have a "kit" that has HO skirting along with the tree and everything you need to build a saddle. It's a pretty good way to go if you don't build a lot of saddles... The folks at Panhandle are good to work with, too.

Congratulations!!! Very well done.

Makers Leather Supply