lightweight wade

[AndyKnight]

Very nice Jon.

[CitizenKate]

*sigh* Seeing your saddles makes me wish I still got to ride. It's gorgeous.

Kate

[jonwatsabaugh]

Thanks all!

Brent,

I did'nt have a clue how much this tree would weigh once it was finished, but after selecting some lower density poplar combined with my standard epoxy/fiberglass encasing process, the result was 4 lbs. The saddle without stirrups, with breast collar, and both cinches weghed 27 lbs. She had her own stirrups and I did'nt get to weigh them...just guessing 3 lbs. The leather is standard russet Herman Oak with an extra coat of oil and lots of warm Iowa sun.

Steve,

Yes, it is an in-skirt rig

Bara,

I just antiqued the stamping and carving to get the color

Denise,

I use yellow poplar in all my trees. Down the road I want to try using douglas fir, but right now I just can't get good stuff at anywhere near a reasonable price. The poplar however has many great attributes and I like working with it.

Jon

[hidepounder]

Jon,

I am really impressed with your workmanship! The lines are very nice and it lays together beautifully. I'm extra prejudiced because of the in-skirt rigging....my favorite! I think that your tooling theme is a perfect example of how "less is more"! I agree with Ben, the finish is absolutley beautiful! I would love to get a chance to pick your brain about finishing one day. One of the other things that really stands out to me is how clean everything is. There are no little marks or blemishes anywhere. My hat is off to you! Beautiful saddle!

Bobby

[gtwister09]

Jon,

Great to see you posting again! Very nice clean lines. That is a sharp saddle with a great finish! How many of these light weight Wades have you done?

Regards,

Ben

[Elwood Turner]

Great looking saddle Jon.

Elwood

[mtsadl]

Nice clean made saddle. I really like the the shape of the horn and the front on your wade trees, very nice saddle

[Go2Tex]

Thanks all!

Brent,

I did'nt have a clue how much this tree would weigh once it was finished, but after selecting some lower density poplar combined with my standard epoxy/fiberglass encasing process, the result was 4 lbs. The saddle without stirrups, with breast collar, and both cinches weghed 27 lbs. She had her own stirrups and I did'nt get to weigh them...just guessing 3 lbs. The leather is standard russet Herman Oak with an extra coat of oil and lots of warm Iowa sun.

Steve,

Yes, it is an in-skirt rig

Bara,

I just antiqued the stamping and carving to get the color

Denise,

I use yellow poplar in all my trees. Down the road I want to try using douglas fir, but right now I just can't get good stuff at anywhere near a reasonable price. The poplar however has many great attributes and I like working with it.

Jon

Thanks for the info Jon. I really appreciate your help on this weight issue. I'm totally blown away by the numbers, though. Guess I'll have to get out the scale again and try to figure out where I'm adding in the extra weight. Do you order your leather leveled?

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Jon,

that is one great looking saddle! Love how smooth the earcuts and cantlebinding are. Great lines on the skirts and fenders.

Darc

[Dually]

Jon, this saddle is so beautiful, I have made it my desk top feature so I can stare at it on occasion.Only problem would be tht its just so flawless, I can't imagine taking it from the display stand to a working environment. The lines are exceptional. Hope you post more of your work.

Thanks,

Randy