new saddle

[steve mason]

Howdy;

I just finished this saddle, a good thing about this one is that it is for me, I am going roping all weekend to I should get some good tracks put in the horn by Sun.

I have done some things that I have not done before on this saddle, it is the first time I have use a Warren Wright tree, first time for the flat plate ring riggin, the first time I have carved water lily's on my saddles, and the first time using Jeremiah Watt's Buck roll forms and string conchos. Let me know what you think, I am looking for open honest constructive criticism.

Thanks much

Steve

Edited March 1, 2008 by steve mason

[AndyKnight]

Steve,

Awsome work

It looks very good. I like the lilys

Andy

[bruce johnson]

Steve,

Neat work as your others. Good job on the lilies. My wife is particularly impressed with the back cinch loops. VERY cool. If you're roping all weekend, I am sure it is gonna look a little different Monday.

[Elton Joorisity]

Another top notch rig as usual Steve. If my lines are even close to your's I'll be happy. Love the lillies too.

[jonwatsabaugh]

Steve,

Your work is exceptional! All of your inovative small details add so much to your saddles as well as the ultra clean finish. From the inovative billit sleeve on your back cinch to the clean flowing lines throughout prove what an accomplished maker you are! I know function is of supreme importance to you, but this example displays much artistic value also. This is a textbook study for all those desiring a much higher level. Keep'em coming, Steve, you are truely an inspiration! I hope I get to meet you in Sheridan this year!

Jon

[Bob]

Steve, very nice workmanship. Clean, nice lines, perfect carving, a nice balance in design (rough out & smooth out with some tooling) It's pleasing to look at. Your stitching is perfect.

I just like it ... are you going to Sheridan?

[kseidel]

Very Hard to criticize a saddle this well made! My compliments on a very nice saddle. Have you made many saddles? How many years?

Very nice slicked edges.

Nice job on the horn cap keeping the dome to the cap and centering the edge.

Inlaid seat has great fit and nice shape.

Great stitching. Hand stitching matches machine stitching. You did a great job at the stitch joints on the rear cinch.

Rigging position is good. I like to keep them a little higher; especially using the 550 ring. I have found it easier to get the rigging too low using this hardware, but I like it best. Too low puts your latigos wrapped tightly to the ring and requires using a shorter cinch which doesn't allow enough space for the horses shoulder to move freely under the cinch ring. I usually have the top of my cut-out inside the ring to be about the bottom of my skirt, and rivet the ring a little higher in the flat plate. I also like to hide the top of my rear rigging dee inder the back jockey.... just makes a cleaner look.

Saddle proportions are great! Great balance with skirt size (length and depth) to the saddle size.

Seat shape looks comfortable and balanced. You should enjoy riding it.

I like to crease all of my edges that are not stitched. It balances the "bordered" look of the stitching as well as packing the edges harder.

Interesting rear cinch design. I've never seen that done before..... Lots of leather, but very well executed.

Your tooling is impeccable! Correct moisture content and perfectly stamped. Nice knife work.

You should stitch your leather keeper behind the buckle on your rope strap. You are too good a craftsman to use a loose keeper.

Two things to try:

1: try doming and polishing your rivets before you set them.

2: I think you can get your rear jockeys tighter. Try using two spikes on each side. One to fit them like you do now about the concho position, and another forward and lower to pull the corner around tighter.

Overall exceptional saddle!!!! Have a great weekend of roping in it!

Keith Seidel

[buffalo]

Wow you do some great work. That is nice.

Buff

[Don101]

Steve great saddle i love the cinch belt carving and the whole look of the saddle and wow the back of the cantle great job, when you do a saddle for your self do you find it difficult to actually decide how you would like it, carving and style and so on, don

[mudman]

Very Nice Work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!