Parade Saddle Restoration Wanted

[BriarcreekFarm]

Hi - I am very much in need of someone who can do minor to moderate repairs to our collection of Ted Flowers silver parade saddles. I have not had any success finding someone with skills or knowledge of quality leather repair since we lost our local master saddler in our area several years ago. Antique tack needs constant maintenance but it definitely needs to be quality work. I am located 45 minutes east of Atlanta near the Georgia International Horse Park. If you know of anyone within reasonable driving distance (2 to 3 hours max) in this area, please let me know.

Thanks!

[fordsmtack]

I didn't look to see where this guy is at, but he's a good restorer of parade tack.

http://johncarneycustomcreations.com/why_restore.html

Maybe he could refer you to someone nearer to you.

Kim

Hi - I am very much in need of someone who can do minor to moderate repairs to our collection of Ted Flowers silver parade saddles. I have not had any success finding someone with skills or knowledge of quality leather repair since we lost our local master saddler in our area several years ago. Antique tack needs constant maintenance but it definitely needs to be quality work. I am located 45 minutes east of Atlanta near the Georgia International Horse Park. If you know of anyone within reasonable driving distance (2 to 3 hours max) in this area, please let me know.

Thanks!

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Try this guy. I have seen his work, and it is very nice.

Ted N. Estes

5055 Conns Creek Road

Ball Ground, Georgia 30107

(770) 893-1201

Bondo Bob

[BriarcreekFarm]

Thank you both for your suggestions. I can only dream about Carney Leatherworks being close by as he is well known to us collectors. He is unfortunately in Missouri which means shipping expenses would be incurred on top of all leather work. Bridles and breastcollars aren't too expensive to ship, but the serapes and saddles are pretty pricey to ship which is why I was trying to find someone local. I have also utilized Dusty Johnson (saddler & parade saddle dealer) in the past in Loveland, CO, but again, there is the shipping problem

Bondo Bob - I had seen Ted Estes work on his website and it was his turn down to me on the phone yesterday that prompted my post here. I was sure he would be able to do the work and was qualified, but he stated that his true interest now is strictly saddle making and not restoration. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

I have found two other leatherworkers on line and if anyone knows anything about them, please let me know your opinions. The first one is Rocky Creek Leatherworks in Toccoa, GA - I haven't talked to them yet as I just found them this afternoon. The second one is in Alabama which might not be too far from me here in GA, and his website sounds like he may know his stuff - he goes by the name of The Saddle Guy.

Again, thanks for your suggestions.

Edited April 7, 2010 by BriarcreekFarm