it was a long Winter

[Cowboy Crafts Online]

I finally got a saddle finished. It seemed like I could get nothing done, but chaps and small tack items. Sure feels good to get a saddle finished. Feel free to comment. Saddle Tree by Rod Nikkel, Leather by Wickett & Craig, Hardware by Bork Saddlery Hardware, Stirrups by Nettles, and Stamps used by Jeremiah Watt.

Ashley

[jwwright]

Nice work Ashley. JW

[bruce johnson]

Ashley,

Good looking saddle. I like that pattern, you and Jeremiah make it look easier than it is for me. I need to whack on some more practice pieces before I commit it to an order. What is hanging on the near back billet in the pic of the off side?

[Cowboy Crafts Online]

Thank you JW and Bruce

Bruce,

I think you are talking about the fencing plyer holder. That I made along with the saddle.

Ashley

[mudman]

Good Looking Rig!!

[Bob]

Ashley, very nice workmanship. You done an excellant job. Keep up with the good work...

[grumpyguy]

Ashley,

Great looking rig. You did a fantastic job laying out and stamping the design. The lacing on the swells is very attactive. Lacing on swells is tough for me to get even. The saddle pockets are a nice design, did you come up with those? Anyway I like them. The roughout seat is really popular but I favor the top grain seats, that way when I come off a horse unexpectedly I can just blame, "The danged slickery seat!" Good job!

[abn]

I know absolutely zero about saddle construction, but I sure did enjoy looking at these pictures anyway! Thanks much for sharing, Ashley.

Best, -Alex

[mulefool]

That looks really nice. I hadn't seen those two stamps put together like that. I imagine it's a bit tricky keeping it all lined up right. I've got that flower stamp and I've used that on an all over pattern. Surprisingly more men have chosen it than women.

[Cowboy Crafts Online]

Thank you Grumpy, abn, mule

Grumpy,

I drew up those saddle pockets up while I was building the saddle. I think they turned out real nice so I am going to keep the pattern hanging on the wall. I think the most important thing to learn when building saddles is pattern making. If you can not draw your own patterns then your not going to make it.

Ashley