Reommendations for Getting into Saddle Repair

[Samer]

Hello folks, I have a Shoe Repair, I have done little saddle repair work. I’d like to get into the saddle repair service. And you recommendations where to start and what to get for startup tools?

Are there any online schools?

Any comments or recommendations are appreciated.

Sam

Edited 2 hours ago by Northmount
Changed tile to relect actual topic

[DieselTech]

Check out Don Gonzales he has physical classes. & might offer online classes as well. 

[TomE]

As you no doubt know, English saddles and western saddles are 2 completely different items in terms of materials and construction.  There are a lot of resources and classes for western saddle making, which will show construction methods that are relevant for repairs.  I'd start with the Stohlman's Encyclopedia of Saddle Making from Tandy and also check out books and DVDs at the Leather Crafters Journal online store.  Fewer resources available for English saddles.  Robert Steinke's books on repairing harness and saddlery are good if you can find/afford them.  Joshua Siegel is a skilled saddler in western MA who might be a resource for you.  Also, the Facebook Saddle Restoration group includes some skilled saddlers (scattered among many saddle cleaners/flippers).  Jack Stewart does saddle repairs for Stubben North America and is a helpful member of the restoration group.     

[Northmount]

6 hours ago, Samer said:

I’d like to get into the saddle repair service

Updated the title to represent the actual topic.

[BlackDragon]

Be very careful when repairing a saddle. If a shoe repair fails a person will walk funny for a little bit but if saddlery fails it can lead people to severe injuries. If a stirrup fails a rider can slip or completely fall out of the saddle, if a billet strap fails the rider can wind up under the horse.

With that out of the way since you've done some repairs you know a little bit about it.

What I've done is bought some cheap saddles. I bought 3 saddles for $150 at auction and I tore the worse of the three apart to learn how it went together and to experiment. 

I highly recommend Don Gonzales' videos, he gets really in depth with his breakdown and repair videos. TomE makes good recommendations. Also look at some of Springfield Leather Company's video on saddle reconstruction.

There are a few videos out there that are horrible for saddle repair so be wary of those. One says she is a master class cobbler but the repairs she make on an English Saddle are really... bad.