TomE Report post Posted June 17 ...stainless and nickel-bronze hardware, instead of brass. Wickett & Craig bridle leather, hardware from Zack White and Beiler's. Learn something with each one I make. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goldshot Ron Report post Posted June 17 What a show off Tom. That's another great looking work of art. I like you flowering trees also. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CdK Report post Posted June 17 Very nice work there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted June 18 Looking good! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomE Report post Posted June 18 Thanks, everyone. I am enjoying learning to refine my skills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Littlef Report post Posted June 18 That's sharp!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted June 18 (edited) Very nice, Tom! As a (retired) horse person, I got a laugh out of you sig: horses: fixing stuff they break! During my time as a horse owner, i developed a very good relationship with the local tack shop, which also did repairs! Edited June 18 by Sheilajeanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomE Report post Posted June 18 5 hours ago, Sheilajeanne said: Very nice, Tom! As a (retired) horse person, I got a laugh out of you sig: horses: fixing stuff they break! During my time as a horse owner, i developed a very good relationship with the local tack shop, which also did repairs! Thank you! I find that repairs are a good way to learn how tack is made and where the weak points are. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted June 19 (edited) The man who owned the shop had been taught harness making by a Mennonite craftsperson, Isaac Baker. At one time, he had a business making harnesses for draft horses. I remember coming into his shop, and seeing an employee busy hand sewing a decorative scotch top that sits on top of the collar. (Have a look at the Budweiser Clydesdales if you're not sure what I'm talking about.) As time went by, I guess he decided there wasn't enough demand for this sort of work, so he changed his business to cater to English and western riders, selling everything from tack to books on horses. Repairs were still a sideline, though, and he did them very cheaply. He loved to talk, and I remember getting into a very long conversation with him about people we knew. When I finally turned to leave the shop, I realized I hadn't paid, and asked him how much I owed. He shrugged, and said, "Throw a couple of bucks into that jar. It's my kid's pony fund." Well, when you sell saddles that begin at $2,600, the money you get for fiixing a broken rein or halter is really not that important! Edited June 19 by Sheilajeanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites