stallmucker Report post Posted December 15, 2009 Hi Friends Decided to try and post pics of a couple of exercise saddles I have made. The gold one is lacking billets and initials, but other than that, is pretty much done. Speaking of initials, I have been using a local firm that does nylon embroidery on a patent leather backing. It has worked well, but occasionally someone wants lettering in leather. I would appreciate it if anyone could help me with a source. I know I cant make them. These days, working in the shop is not so bad. The night before last, the airport here in Edmonton recorded the lowest temp in north america, -46.1 celsius , minus 58 with the wind chill. I think that would be about -65 in fahrenheit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Storm Report post Posted December 15, 2009 You need a new handle!!!! Perhaps Master Racing Saddler!!!That is one elegant piece of work. Excellent craftsmanship!!! Storm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasquatch Report post Posted December 15, 2009 (edited) AAAAAAHHHHHHH a fellow Canadian. I know nothing about saddles but from what I can see those look pretty sweet. We were watching the news last night and I couldn't believe my ears!!! They said there were over 14 records broken in Edmonton in the last few days. Edited December 15, 2009 by Sasquatch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SKLeather Report post Posted December 15, 2009 Hi Friends Decided to try and post pics of a couple of exercise saddles I have made. The gold one is lacking billets and initials, but other than that, is pretty much done. Speaking of initials, I have been using a local firm that does nylon embroidery on a patent leather backing. It has worked well, but occasionally someone wants lettering in leather. I would appreciate it if anyone could help me with a source. I know I cant make them. These days, working in the shop is not so bad. The night before last, the airport here in Edmonton recorded the lowest temp in north america, -46.1 celsius , minus 58 with the wind chill. I think that would be about -65 in fahrenheit. Great looking saddles. Are they for a Northlands client? It was -48C here in the Queen City so I feel your pain. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Denise Report post Posted December 16, 2009 I grew up in Edmonton, but wanted things a bit warmer - so moved north. Only -43 here Sunday morning! I have had the chance to see a tree (half tree I believe they are called) that goes into these excerise saddles, but I know many people haven't. They are very different than either English or western trees. It would be educational for them if something like that were posted here. If you have another one kicking around and were willing to post a picture, that would be great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stallmucker Report post Posted December 16, 2009 I grew up in Edmonton, but wanted things a bit warmer - so moved north. Only -43 here Sunday morning! I have had the chance to see a tree (half tree I believe they are called) that goes into these excerise saddles, but I know many people haven't. They are very different than either English or western trees. It would be educational for them if something like that were posted here. If you have another one kicking around and were willing to post a picture, that would be great! Thanks Denise for the idea, and those others that took time to look or make comments. One of the nice things about leatherwork, or I suspect any other hobby is you never quite get things right, and that keeps you coming back for more. Still, its nice when people praise your efforts. Here is a picture of a exercise saddle tree. Most of them are made out of aluminum, although fiberglass, and sometimes wood, reinforced with metal are also used. Most of the metal ones are stamped Mexico, although I get mine cast locally. The metal piece attached to the side are called stirrup bars, and are supposed to release if a rider comes off, and is being drug. It is far from a perfect mechanism, and can be good or useless, depending on the saddle. I do a lot of repairs for the local racetrack, and on average get at least 50 a year where something has gone wrong with the tree. Occasionally, the tree itself breaks, but the most common problem is failure of the rivets that hold the stirrup bar in place. Not a pleasant feeling if you are a rider! This is getting long, perhaps I will change my moniker to Windy. Doug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blazenh Report post Posted December 17, 2009 GREAT WORK !! i have alot of experiance in exercise saddles as i was a jockey for 29 yrs and breaking colts for the last 7. as you said failure of the tree sucks for sure. been there done that. im always looking for replacement trees. lets get together on them as i need a few now. again great work on the saddles keep it up.. blazenh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
