Pictures from old(er) masters

[ClayB]

Here are a few of my favorite saddles from past trips to Sheridan. I think the first ones are of the Don King saddle that was mentioned.

Since I lean more towards figure carving, this one carved by Jim Jackson has always been one of my favorites. I think Jim did the carving and one of the King boys built the saddle if I remember right. It was on display in King's museum for a few years.

All I can find of Don Butler's work is parts of a saddle he had at the first saddle week in Sheridan.

This is Keith Siedel's personal saddle.

And I think this one is from Rick Bean?

[Beaverslayer]

Those are just amazing saddles. I really like the Jim Bean, the way it is highlighted, very nice.

Thanks for sharing.

I would still be interested in knowing the differance between Sheridan, California, and Arizone.

Ken

[bruce johnson]

Ken,

A quick and dirty thumbnail differences for circular patterns. Arizona tends to use larger flowers with the flower on the stemwork. California tends to follow the circular pattern of the Sheridan, but the flowers are larger relative to the circle, centrally located, and overlap the stemwork somewhat. Sheridan follows a circular pattern also, but the flowers tend to be smaller relative to the circle, the stemwork is more intricate.

These styles are not carved in granite, there is overlap, each person tends to view them and definitely do them just a little different. Example - some will say that CA has a checkered background, and Sheridan has bargrounded backgrounds. Rules are guidelines until you find out how to break them for "your" style.

[mulefool]

I never thought I liked carving til I saw a Ray Holes saddle back in the 70's. I was going to mention Rick Bean for his figure carving.