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

[grumpyguy]

Ashley,

Those pockets are down right practial in design. I take it you have spent "a little time a horse back" in rough country! Definately some practical thought into features to keep them in place and minimize shifting. I still can't get over it, such a simple deal, the front string or strap passes through the holes on the front side of the pockets back and then passes though the saddles rear dee. The hole is located close to the rear dee where it belongs. It would make for easy repair or replacement should it get fouled and broken on the trail. I haven't seen anything quite like them before and I have been to a lot of custom shops! Most are riveted on and when they foul, the rivet pulls out, either the bag back or the strap are damaged and not easily repaired on the trail. (I can't tell you how many times this has happened when riding with my partners. Gear lost and destroyed is the norm.) If they are going though holes they are usually located higher up above the pocket lids, making it harder to secure them against the saddle skirt. Sometimes causing shifting and an annoying bouncing when chasing a cow. (I'm sure the horses don't care for the pounding they take from it either.)

Another fine example of someone who thinks outside the box just enough to come up with something really great! (Us horse people are often not much for new ideas and the thinking outside the box thing.) I take my hat off to you.