Stubben Saddle Billets

[TackCollector]

This is how Freedman does their webbing.   This is a 1996 or 1997 saddle.  Freedman saddles were built like a tank back then.   There is nothing else like them.  I haven't seen any of the newer layered leather ones in person so I can't count on their construction.   I'm not a fan of layered leather on cutbacks.  The huge flaps are too much acreage to rely on glue alone.   And I hate the way that soft sticky leather mars too easily.

[TomE]

Thanks for this information, @TackCollector.  I really enjoy learning about how English saddles are made and repaired, and would welcome any suggestions for references.  The old books (printed in the 1960s-1970s) on saddlemaking that I've collected don't cover the newer construction methods.

[TackCollector]

On 12/3/2024 at 7:41 AM, TomE said:

Thanks for this information, @TackCollector.  I really enjoy learning about how English saddles are made and repaired, and would welcome any suggestions for references.  The old books (printed in the 1960s-1970s) on saddlemaking that I've collected don't cover the newer construction methods.

I really don't have any reference books on modern methods, either.  I have one British book,  Repair Your Own Saddlery and Harness,  A Step-by-Step Guide, by Robert H. Steinke.   ISBN 0-85131-597-6,  1994. published by J. A, Allen, London.    It's probably out of print.   It is more of a book that gives the gist of things, not a full tutorial.   https://www.bookfinder.com/author/robert-steinke/

[TomE]

8 hours ago, TackCollector said:

I really don't have any reference books on modern methods, either.  I have one British book,  Repair Your Own Saddlery and Harness,  A Step-by-Step Guide, by Robert H. Steinke.   ISBN 0-85131-597-6,  1994. published by J. A, Allen, London.    It's probably out of print.   It is more of a book that gives the gist of things, not a full tutorial.   https://www.bookfinder.com/author/robert-steinke/

Thanks for your reply.  I have serveral of Steinke's books on saddlery, harness, and bridlework that have been very helpful.  He is doing some saddlery work again and occasionally posts on Facebook and Youtube.