Rod and Denise Nikkel Report post Posted June 3, 2010 (edited) We've been building some unusual trees this year so far. Our own ClayB ordered one like his Grandfather's old saddle. He sent us a few pictures of the tree, and we used them to make something that looks the same and yet will fit more modern horses for him to build a new saddle on. We did a couple more side saddle trees with a few modifications compared to our first go. Then we were asked to build a Portuguesa style tree. The customer was very specific about the shape they wanted, and putting a fork on leaning backwards was another good learning experience. Then we were sent one picture of an Indian type tree. Again the customer was really specific and worked with us via pictures and phone calls to get the shape he wanted. He is going to build this into a riding saddle for himself. We don't mind building the more unusual trees now and then since it is generally a challenge and a break from the usual. But right now it is about time to go build a few more normal type trees… Edited July 6, 2010 by Denise Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted June 4, 2010 Denise, Thanks for sharing. I think it is facinating to see some of these unique trees! Bobby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pete Report post Posted June 4, 2010 We've been building some unusual trees this year so far. Denise, Might you or Rod know anything abut the Still Brothers out of Portland, Oregon and their saddle that I posted here? pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rod and Denise Nikkel Report post Posted June 4, 2010 Bobby, Thanks for the comment. I wasn't sure if anyone would be interested or not. Pete, I can't help you with the Still Brothers. Your saddle does look a bit like one an elderly gentleman came by with over 12 years ago. He had ridden it in his early days and wanted to build another like it. Rod took the measurements and built the tree with 16" swells (just the tree). Unfortunately, though the man was in good health when Rod met him, when we called him to pick up the tree we didn't get a reply for a long time. Apparently in the intervening two months he had suddenly taken sick and died. The family wanted the tree as a remembrance but we don't know if it was ever built on. How wide are the swells on your saddle? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted July 6, 2010 Rod/Denise, Somehow I missed this one. It is always interesting to see unique trees. Regards, Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
