Pictures of building saddle trees plus

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

I'm glad you are finding the website informative. Thast was the main goal in setting it up - shedding some light on the "black hole" that saddle trees seem to be at times.

Richard, yes, there is art that goes into the trees as well, and Rod is the artist in this duo. He can look at something and shape it smoothly and evenly so it looks beautiful with just a couple of lines to guide him. He has the eye to do that. (I, on the other hand, can make the books work out to the penny, so it is a good partnership. Denise) I'm glad you enjoyed the course at Sheridan as well. We sure enjoyed giving it.

CW, Before Rod had seen your post, I asked him "What is the most dangerous part of building a tree?" His answer, "Rawhiding. Cutting myself with the knife." So he's not too worried about the big equipment! Actually, infection to the point of blood poisoning from the wet rawhide is a real danger and most tree makers have had it. I'm grateful for antibiotics!

Edited July 23, 2011 by Rod and Denise Nikkel

[rawhide1]

Denise

Thank you for adding that to your site. It's very informative while I don't build saddles it's nice to know the steps in building a tree. Heck those are so pretty it's a shame to cover them.

Thanks again, Mike

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

Thanks Mike. They are pretty, but they are made to be practical so they get covered up and most people never know who made the frame to their saddle. "Only the saddle maker knows for sure..." Glad you find the site interesting even if you don't build saddles. I am always amazed at how people create in any area. It is fun to see the process.