Members Kate Posted June 24, 2009 Author Members Report Posted June 24, 2009 Thanks David! That is interesting. From other pictures on here of plantation saddles, I would have thought the fork was leaning back a little. Here it just looks like a fairly straight up slick fork with a different type of cantle. Is this what the old ones are like too? Hi Denise, The older ones have a sling seat (don't know about the Steeles) which is webbing stretched from pommel to cantle, then the seat leather laid on over that - pretty much like standard english saddle, but with a deeper seat so the rider doesn't contact the tree bars so much. The real old ones are actually a lot like a cavalry officers' saddle, with the long tree bars that extend back from the cantle - I would guess the origins of the plantation "type" are closely aligned with those officers saddles, same use parameters - long days in the saddle. There's an interesting variation on the plantation saddle, the Minihan, that fascinates me - good images on Gloria's site, http://www.4beatstitchery.com/. I had a very old and very fragile Minihan that I sent to her - I was never going to get anything done to resurrect it, and it was just too nice to let it rot. KATE'S CUSTOM GUNLEATHER and KATE'S CUSTOM BRIDLEWORKS Sultan, WA USA
Contributing Member Denise Posted June 24, 2009 Contributing Member Report Posted June 24, 2009 Thanks for the information Kate. In looking at the pictures on that site, I am always amazed by the variety within even one type of saddle. Did the original webbed seat saddles have wooden forks and cantles like the Steele trees or were they metal like the Trooper saddles?
Members Echo4V Posted June 25, 2009 Members Report Posted June 25, 2009 From what I've seen...The suspended seat didn't take hold in the buena Vista saddles until the 20th century. Before that they were mostly hard slick seats like a western saddle and even when the suspended seats (with the webbing straps) became popular the hard seats still were put into about half the Buena Vistas. Personally, I prefer the hard seats as they seem to ride better to me. I have two old hard seat Buena Vistas and one suspended seat one and the suspended seat is padded, the only one of the saddles I've had the least bit of discomfort in is the suspended seat one. Hope this helps David
Members Pink Pearl Posted November 19, 2009 Members Report Posted November 19, 2009 I emailed you about this. I would love to have the saddle if the offer still stands.
Members Kate Posted November 19, 2009 Author Members Report Posted November 19, 2009 I emailed you about this. I would love to have the saddle if the offer still stands. You have a private email. Kate KATE'S CUSTOM GUNLEATHER and KATE'S CUSTOM BRIDLEWORKS Sultan, WA USA
Members cashmover Posted January 13, 2010 Members Report Posted January 13, 2010 I have a good old hard seat plantation saddle that I'd like to find a home for. I bought it to overhaul - needs new rigging and panels (navy blue wool serge, stuffed with hair) and quite a bit of restitching, but it's all there, tree and major leather is sound and good. Has a pair of hooded stirrups, and mis-matched slider fenders to go on the stirrup leathers. Fits a medium wide back, with plenty of wither clearance. I think I have about eighty bucks in it, but would send it to an interested party for the cost of shipping - likely about $40 by UPS to anyplace in continental USA. These saddles are GREAT to ride - the gaited horse folks and field trial folks love them for their walking horses. These old ones beat the heck out of the new manufactured ones. Clearing out the shop to get into operation again.... expect more oddball listings! Kate Do you still have this saddle? I like this type and would be interested in it, if you still have it. Thanks! Judy
Members CowboyThunder Posted April 28, 2012 Members Report Posted April 28, 2012 I have a good old hard seat plantation saddle that I'd like to find a home for. I bought it to overhaul - needs new rigging and panels (navy blue wool serge, stuffed with hair) and quite a bit of restitching, but it's all there, tree and major leather is sound and good. Has a pair of hooded stirrups, and mis-matched slider fenders to go on the stirrup leathers. Fits a medium wide back, with plenty of wither clearance. I think I have about eighty bucks in it, but would send it to an interested party for the cost of shipping - likely about $40 by UPS to anyplace in continental USA. These saddles are GREAT to ride - the gaited horse folks and field trial folks love them for their walking horses. These old ones beat the heck out of the new manufactured ones. Clearing out the shop to get into operation again.... expect more oddball listings! Kate Kate; if this saddle is still available I would love to entertain its presence in my shop?
Members Kate Posted April 28, 2012 Author Members Report Posted April 28, 2012 I still have it - though it's stuck up in shop "attic" and I'd have to go find it again and make sure all the pieces are still there How about we take this to PM and I'll let you know when i know if it's still all there after near three years ? Kate; if this saddle is still available I would love to entertain its presence in my shop? KATE'S CUSTOM GUNLEATHER and KATE'S CUSTOM BRIDLEWORKS Sultan, WA USA
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