Can someone explain how to do a pre set stirrup wrap?

[Curbstrap2]

Photos are appreciated. Thanks

[Curbstrap2]

  Curbstrap2 said:

I'm am using this beautiful saddle pix as an example of the technique I am look for an explanation of. Sorry, but I don't recall who's work this is, but its a beauty. I hope the owner doesn't mind me posting it and asking. Thank you.

Edited May 4, 2009 by Curbstrap2

[Echo4V]

Well since it's been two days with no answer, I'll answer even though I'm not a saddle maker I do know how to do this.

First you have to unhook the blevins buckle and turn the slide part ( the peice that locks it into place) around on stirrup leather. Now for the left stirrup you take the blevins buckle in hand and turn it counterclockwise ( so that if you are looking at it from the view we are seeing the saddle in the picture it will rotate from left to right). Once you get it turned all the way around re buckle it and then use a saddle string to whip it ( that's the term for the way that string is tied around the stirrup leather). Here is a good demo of one style of whipping.

http://www.animatedknots.com/sailors/index...imatedknots.com

For the right stirrup it's the same process but you turn the stirrup clockwise. Just remember that when you are turning the stirrups you want to turn them so that the part that was against the horse goes to the front of the saddle then to the out side (away from the horse).

I hope that was an understandable explaination.

David

[Curbstrap2]

  Echo4V said:

Well since it's been two days with no answer, I'll answer even though I'm not a saddle maker I do know how to do this.

First you have to unhook the blevins buckle and turn the slide part ( the peice that locks it into place) around on stirrup leather. Now for the left stirrup you take the blevins buckle in hand and turn it counterclockwise ( so that if you are looking at it from the view we are seeing the saddle in the picture it will rotate from left to right). Once you get it turned all the way around re buckle it and then use a saddle string to whip it ( that's the term for the way that string is tied around the stirrup leather). Here is a good demo of one style of whipping.

http://www.animatedknots.com/sailors/index...imatedknots.com

For the right stirrup it's the same process but you turn the stirrup clockwise. Just remember that when you are turning the stirrups you want to turn them so that the part that was against the horse goes to the front of the saddle then to the out side (away from the horse).

I hope that was an understandable explaination.

David

David, that was very clear. I appreciate your reply. I have one question. What lenght of leather would be necessary for the whipping?

Thanks again!

[Echo4V]

every time I've done them for people I've just went to the tack store and bought a set of saddle strings. I have found that they are just the right size and thickness to do the job. It helps to have the extra length when doing the whipping then cut off the excess after they are tied.

Another tip is to moisten the stirrup leathers with a coat or two of neats foot oil before twisting them. Seems people neglect their stirrup leathers when maintaing their saddles and they tend to get dry and stiff, which makes them harder to get a good twist with. You also might want to leave a little length of string to grip so you can tighten the whipping in a couple of weeks. You wouldn't need to do that with brand new leathers but the older leathers will "break in" to the twist after a couple of weeks and leave your whipping loose.

David

[bruce johnson]

One thing to point out. On most saddles the pins on the Blevins point out, and the tail of the leather is in front of the stirrup. To do the twist you need to punch out those rivets and turn the buckle around, then rivet them back.

[AndyKnight]

wet the stirrup leather very well before twisting and they will stay. Most saddle makers use a either a jig or drawdown to stretch and twist until they dry.

[Echo4V]

Bruce, I agree that what you suggest is best but, not necessary. I have ridden with twisted stirrups where the buckle wasn't turned around and re attached with no side effects. In fact if you look closely at the photo she posted you'll notice that the blevins buckles on this saddle have not been turned around and re attached.

David

[bruce johnson]

I put my Blevins on like the twisted leathers in the picture. Pins in, 180 degree twist or fold, and they point out. I install them opposite for straight leathers - pins out. Otherwise when you go to buckle them on straight leathers the pins point in, and the excess stirrup leather is under the fender leg.

[Curbstrap2]

  AndyKnight said:

wet the stirrup leather very well before twisting and they will stay. Most saddle makers use a either a jig or drawdown to stretch and twist until they dry.

Can you explain to me what a jig or drawdown is? I am not familiar with those terms. Thank you.