Saddle Skirt Attachment Method Question

[Steve Brewer]

I will probably open a can of worms with this,I don't drill any string holes.I hate opening the tree to moisture and dirt that can get there through the string holes.Years ago I noticed that trees were rotting out around the string holes and quit drilling.With bleeders and proper nailing in the gullet area the skirts will not move.It makes it a easy for people to replace there own strings when they are screwed down,no chance for bulk Under the skirt from a twisted string.Just my way of doing things.

Steve

Edited December 10, 2010 by Steve Brewer

[Ken Nelson]

I will probably open a can of worms with this,I don't drill any string holes.I hate opening the tree to moisture and dirt that can get there through the string holes.Years ago I noticed that trees were rotting out around the string holes and quit drilling.With bleeders and proper nailing in the gullet area the skirts will not move.It makes it a easy for people to replace there own strings when they are screwed down,no chance for bulk Under the skirt from a twisted string.Just my way of doing things.

Steve

Likewise for me too. Ken

[AndyKnight]

I will probably open a can of worms with this,I don't drill any string holes.I hate opening the tree to moisture and dirt that can get there through the string holes.Years ago I noticed that trees were rotting out around the string holes and quit drilling.With bleeders and proper nailing in the gullet area the skirts will not move.It makes it a easy for people to replace there own strings when they are screwed down,no chance for bulk Under the skirt from a twisted string.Just my way of doing things.

Steve

Not a right or a wrong...Just different ways of doing things.

I am with Steve on this one... unless a customer insists. I also use 5 bleeders on each skirt. I sell alot of working rigs and I have found my strings to be plenty strong. I pre drill all my screws and use a min of 2 per string.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Basically, I follow the Stohlman instructions, and have for years with no adverse results on the lug method. I especially like the way lugs pull the skirt up tight really force the tree into the pockets that blocking creates. As for the strings, it is a matter of style and use, for me. Around here either will work equally well, as most riders are pleasure riders. It's a customers option for me. Like all of the guys have said, there is no right or wrong, just a difference in "how she gets done".

Bob

[GrampaJoel]

Before you read the rest of my response Please understand, Believe me I am a happy camper with all your responses and I am not trying to be snide or a smart ass. My reply comes from having been a farrier in my younger days.

I still do my own horse, but no one else's. I think you all will understand my reply now.

So here is what I have learned today. Referring to attaching skirts to a tree. .

So..

1. Stohlman says to drill, but the truth be told, I can drill or not drill, and it can be a regional reason for doing, or not doing so.

2. Put more tugs( lugs, bleeders, not strings) on than J Watt did in his video.

Wow!!

I never dreamed it would be like this.

It seems that saddle building and design is very similar( within limits) to saddle fitting, saddle styling, horse training, horse shoeing, where a bosal should hang, what bit a colt should be started in, how long a pair of chinks should be, and just about any other equine related or, non related area of discussion.

I sure do learn a lot of stuff and get a good laugh here on this forum.

Thanks everyone for allowing me to open this can of worms. You guys, and gals make my days!!!

[alb]

Andy - What do you mean when you say you use 5 bleeders on each skirt? Also - I'm having a hard time envisioning how you would fit 2 screws on a string....

Ann

Not a right or a wrong...Just different ways of doing things.

I am with Steve on this one... unless a customer insists. I also use 5 bleeders on each skirt. I sell alot of working rigs and I have found my strings to be plenty strong. I pre drill all my screws and use a min of 2 per string.

[AndyKnight]

Andy - What do you mean when you say you use 5 bleeders on each skirt? Also - I'm having a hard time envisioning how you would fit 2 screws on a string....

Ann

I bleed 5 tugs through the skirt , 2 in front and 3 in the rear.

Technically, I usually run one screw through the string itself but then either side of the string usually through the larger button or latigo hanger etc . run a couple more. The important thing is that in a wreck you want the string to fail and not rip everything out and causing an expensive repair.

[seveneves]

Thanks JW for clearing that up the difference between strings and tugs..

I have been trying to separate the good methods from the not so good.

I wondered when watching the Watt DVDs that he said something about building saddles for working cowboys, or something like that. But the connection he used of the skirts to the tree seemed pretty weak to me. He put what he called saddle strings on his saddle, but they were just through the jockeys in the back.

This wanting to build a saddle correctly has turned out to be a pretty expensive venture when I have spent 300 for the Stohlman books, 80 for the Johnson DVD and another 400 + for the Watt DVDs,,,,,

and I still have a lot of concerns about the correct way to build a saddle, and I still need to ask questions on the forums.

So it's OK for the strings to go through the tree then. I want a ranch working quality saddle.

I think my saddle will be really great, when I get this stuff figured out..

I think it's a personal preference. No matter how much you study the dvds and books, if it's your first saddle you're still going to mess up. I'm on my third and still make little mistakes. The best way to learn is just get in there and start.

[BransonBradshaw]

7/16 latigo for tug straps but what weight is reccomended?

[EdOdgers]

Left over ends after cutting saddle strings; about 7 ounce.