Question About How/why Different Way Of Building A Fender

[Aurelie]

I know there are several ways to build a saddle and not necessarily bad ones.

I have been taught 1 way, and seeing around other ways, i am wondering the pros and cons of the different ways.

Why? it's done this way :

is it just about cost price? about physical resistance? geographical fashion?

I know...i am too curious but i am the kind who has always a bunch of questions about the hows and whys

Here are some pictures:

the way i do it :

the fact that those are "balanced ride stirrups" is not the problem

what i want to point out here is :

Basically they are done into 2 pieces : #1 a long stirrup strap riveted to #2 aka the fender and the buckle is "sandwiched" between the stirrup strap and the fender

(i hope i am clear here!)

now, here is what i've seen around :

a fender done into 3 parts

#1 : the stirrup strap

which is riveted and sewed to the top of the fender (#2)

and the buckle is sandwiched between the fender (#2) and a "wee" piece of leather (#3)

this is boggling me...

Why???

I would tend to think that this way is less "resistant" than the way i am used to do it since there are 3 parts rather than 2 so i would think : it can be weaker

(and i do not like the #3 part ...it seems just not nice....)

is that just another way of doing it?

is that as strong as the way i do it?

Is it done that way to get that part less heavy?

Get ready guys 'cause i ve got a lot of "Why" questions in my head

To be honest : i just want to build good saddles that last long

I am not into searching to reduce costs

I use the best to try to do the best

and i want to know why something is good and why something is bad/wrong/weak

i 've learnt a bit about saddles, i am a rookie, i am experiencing some things..following my path but i want to learn more

Thanks for your help !

Edited September 27, 2011 by Aurelie

[Aurelie]

Noone with an idea or a start of an explanation?

:/

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Aurelie,

both ways that you have shown are acceptable, quality methods of construction. The second method shown uses less leather so it's a bit lighter, less leather between a riders leg and the horse, and easier to get the pieces from two sides of leather... it is plenty strong as long as the different pieces are cut from the best areas of the hide... I try to get the fenders from high in the hide, near the spine. The first method shown uses more leather, will create slightly more weight, and requires larger pieces from the hide but is most commonly seen on "cowboy saddles" that will see very heavy use and probably very little in the way of care. Nothing wrong with either method as long as they are used for their intended purpose. I wouldn't build a saddle for a hard working cowboy with the second method, and a recreational rider or trainer doesn't need the extra weight and bulk of full stirrup leathers (first method).

Darcy

[Aurelie]

thanks a lot Darcy for this answer!

it was the explanation i had in mind (so i guess that i can use my brain in the good way :D) but i wanted to hear about what other saddle makers thought of it

i always like to know why and how things are built one way or another

again, thanks a lot for the answer