Jdavies Report post Posted January 28, 2009 Last weekend I was able to borrow a copy of Dale Harwood saddlemaking videos. I have a question? In his video he mentions placing his rigging plate at a slight back angle to compensate for the stretch that will occur due to more leather in the rear portion of the rigging. So that over time the rigging plate will level itself out. I learned to place at a slight forward angle, And I have worked with a few other guys that place it forward also. Since watching the videos (which I thoroughly enjoyed) It does make sense And am considering a change. BUT before I do, I was hoping for some input from the LW folks out there, and maybe someone can shed a some more light on the subject. Then again maybe it is not that big of a deal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy Crafts Online Report post Posted January 28, 2009 Justin, On my flat plates I place them like dale does in his videos. On my Full Doubles I place my front ones on a foward angle. I started doing this when I was making saddles for a local calf roper. That is the way he wanted them for his customers. Ashley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kseidel Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Justin, Your riggings should not be angled forward. They should be installed so that the downward pull holds the entire tree in place on the horse. Setting the riggings angled forward will but excessive presure on the front of the bars and increase the possibility of horse soreness. It also allows the saddle to tip forward creating further imbalance for the rider. An all leather rigging will re-shape and conform over years of use. The saddlemaker should take steps to construct the riggings with materials that have limited stretch and remove as much stretch from the riggings as possible when assembling, then install them so that there is uniform presure on the tree both front and rear. This can be accomplished regardless of rigging position. Great care should be taken when creating and installing riggings. If a rigging stretches, it will change position front to back. There is only about 1/4" tolerance in position from one side to the other. Any more deviation will cause the tree to move on the horses' back. It is impossible to "guess" how a piece of leather will stretch, so installing an unstretched rigging at an angle to allow for however much you think it may stretch is a recepie for failure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtsadl Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Dale has only made 1500 plus saddles over the past 45 years for some of the best cowboys in the world. Why listen to him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
saddles Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Dale has only made 1500 plus saddles over the past 45 years for some of the best cowboys in the world. Why listen to him? This is a bit uncalled for, Keith is also a very well respected saddle maker. Everyone has different ways and different reasons for doing things the way they do. A little respect please... Lacey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jdavies Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Dale has only made 1500 plus saddles over the past 45 years for some of the best cowboys in the world. Why listen to him? mt, I sure didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. I am a beginner who recieved different opinions and was wondering what the LW folks did in their shops or if this was even a big deal. TO ANY WHO THOUGHT I WAS QUESTIONING DALE, I WOULDN'T QUESTION HIM IF HE WAS POINTING A PISTOL AT A PUPPY. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Justin, I like your analogy. I had a dog like that once too. That said, there are a ton of different ways to do things. You are doing it right, ask questions about how and why and this is the place to do it. Everybody has a reason for what they do, and it works for them. Most generally you find that even though it may start out different, when it is said and done the results end up working for that guy. Pick and choose, try it and see what works for you. It is only leather and we eat beef everyday. I do it to ensure a continuing supply of leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kseidel Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Dale has only made 1500 plus saddles over the past 45 years for some of the best cowboys in the world. Why listen to him? WHoa, Whoa, Whoa..... I mean no disrespect to Mr Harwood!!! I was surprised at your response and upon re-reading my post can understand how you may mis-interpret my comments. Dale is indeed an accomplished saddlemaker. Anyone with the advanced experience as he would be able to calculate the durability of each piece of leather chosen for his riggings and have the experience of both years and sheer numbers to know how much stretch to expect within the tollerance allowed. A novice would not have this experience nor ability. I humbly apologize for offending you. Dale and I have been aquainted for over 25 years and he was very influentual to me in my early years as a saddlemaker. I have much respect for him and value our friendship. Keith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blake Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Hey Guys Go back and read the original post by Justin. Keith and Dale are in agreement about the angle . I took offense on Keiths behalf at first too but carefully re- read the post before I put my foot in my mouth as I usually do. I don't think the poster from Shelly meant it the way it is being taken. ( I wish people would sign their posts) Put the guns down and back away slowly before someone gets hurt. Kind Regards Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtsadl Report post Posted January 30, 2009 I ment no offense to anybody and my feathers are not ruffled. My point was to listen to what Dale was saying on the video because he knows what he is talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
