Changing Saddle Bus.

[Steve Brewer]

When I began building saddles,Trees cost 17.50,Skirting cost for a saddle was less than 60.00,Total materials about 90.00.Then put labor ontop and we got 250 for a plain,300 for a basket stamp, and 350 for a carved saddle.Gas was .19 a gal.and agood wage was 2.75 a hr.

Now we get a lot more for our product.I think we have become less independet.We see every one build wades,so we build wades.I like work that shows differing points of view.

Right now I have 23 saddles ordered.!9 are 3bs, 3 are swell fork saddles,and 1 wade.

We went from gullet measurement to degrees.A article in the Western Horseman ( 1960?) stated that when you saddle you should have 2 fingers between the weathers and your gullet.After you rode all day you would have 1.Recent article in the same mag.said you should have 1 when saddlling.I have my own thougts on the matter.Want to know what you think.

Steven Brewer

[3arrows]

Steven, I know what you mean, I remember when you could fill up your car for $4 and you could eat a full meal for $2,, but things change. My first engineering job after 5 years of college was for $27,000 a year and I though I was on top of the world. My dad couldnt believe I made that much money,,,,,, now that much money would barely make it 3 months. I just bought a side of quality skirting leather and paid a small forture for it, and it wasnt all that good when I starting carving it up. As far as fitting saddles, I shy away from the treeless, spineless, floppy stuff that they sell now as new hi-tech saddles, if you weigh 98#s soaking wet they might work ok, but not for a 250# man.

Yeah we may know a little more now about proper fitting of saddles, but I think the old addage of 2 fingers under the swell still is about right. And most importantly of all, listen to your horse and observe him closely. They will tell you when they hurt and are uncomfortable.

Cheers ron.

[grumpyguy]

The two fingers under the gullet is my preferred fit also. Partly because when you put your wieght on the saddle it will compress the padding and any less space will risk contact with the withers. Also some gullets will slope back and down in the back (like the wades) and the fingers are a guide for the front so care has to be used on horses with longer withers, I always check as far back as I can reach. Some horses will object rather violently if the gullet rides on the withers. Using the two finger guide, I have never ever had the gullet ride on the withers and damage a horse. I realize there are new ideas and thoughts all the time, but this has always worked for me, I'll stick with it.

Never thought I'd see the day when two people would stop at thier favorite diner for a couple of hamburgers and pay over $20.00 including tip and soda pop. Diesel, well I guess I really shouldn't say much about the recent five bucks a gallon. (My mother always told me if I have nothing nice to say to keep my mouth shut.)