elk66 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 I just finished my first saddle. It was built on a Swanke tree with Herman Oak leather. I finished it a couple of weeks ago, but with it being hunting season I have over a hundred hours riding it. It fits a horse well and rides really comfortable. I hope some of you with alot of experience will give some good honest critism. I'm thicked skinned so tell me what you don't like on this saddle. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elk66 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 I just finished my first saddle. It was built on a Swanke tree with Herman Oak leather. I finished it a couple of weeks ago, but with it being hunting season I have over a hundred hours riding it. It fits a horse well and rides really comfortable. I hope some of you with alot of experience will give some good honest critism. I'm thicked skinned so tell me what you don't like on this saddle. Thanks Thanks attachment=31562:DSCN0375.JPG] Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted October 23, 2009 You did a real nice job on your saddle. I really like the horn cap ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KatieG Report post Posted October 23, 2009 I'm no saddle-maker, but that looks lovely to me! I really like the horn cap and the simple design.. very elegant!! And if it's comfortable and fits the horse well.. isn't that what truly matters? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D.A. Kabatoff Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Hi Elk66, good work starting with a good tree and getting out and using the saddle! from your photos it's hard to give any critique good or bad. You started with a decent tree that should fit horses well and assuming your rigging went in square, you've got 2/3rds of the equation. It would be good to see some larger photos from the side and top to see if your seat shape is a good one. You mentioned that you've got over a 100 hours in it so you should have a good idea if it's causing you any problems. Beyond that it becomes a matter of making a few more saddles to smooth out the little aesthetic details such as ear cuts, hand sewing, rear jockeys that are tight all the way around the cantle and without gaps along the back of the skirts... the list goes on and on but it's hard to comment on those details from the photos. I think if you get some good closeups of the saddle then people can give you a better idea of what's looking good and what needs work. Darcy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elk66 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 I just finished my first saddle. It was built on a Swanke tree with Herman Oak leather. I finished it a couple of weeks ago, but with it being hunting season I have over a hundred hours riding it. It fits a horse well and rides really comfortable. I hope some of you with alot of experience will give some good honest critism. I'm thicked skinned so tell me what you don't like on this saddle. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RichardCollmorgen Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Looks great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mulefool Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Are you sure that's your first? It looks really good. I really like what you did with the horncap. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted October 24, 2009 The horn cap is unique. The material selection is good. These photos make it difficult to give good or bad critiques. I would strongly suggest larger and more detailed pictures. With larger pictures and closeups then others can give you good critiques, Some larger photos from the side and top (for seat shape) and any others that you would like for others to look at like one from the back to see tightness of the back jockeys, seat ears, etc.... Obviously you have already spent some time in it already. Regards, Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Storm Report post Posted January 20, 2010 Greta saddle! I really loved the horn ad its design. Nice Stuff! Storm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LilStarr Report post Posted May 15, 2013 Very Sweet Work and wow for your first saddle! You are an inspiration to others like me! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
