Buster Welch Ropers

[jwwright]

Below are photos of a couple of saddles I finished the past couple weeks, both built on Buster Welch Roper trees. JW

[Traveller]

Beautiful work, JW. Not being a saddlemaker myself, I can't point out exactly what it is that makes them so perfect but for me, a good saddle (like these) just look, well, calm. I guess that's because everything is in balance and the leather is good quality.

I have a few questions, though.

First, what is a Buster Welch Roping tree? Is it a style, or is it called that because Buster makes them?

Also, in the saddle on the left, you can see the stirrup leather cut through the seat (I'm sure there's a much more technical term for it...). What are the advantages of building a saddle that way? And would it ever cause discomfort should you rub against it (or is the cut further forward than the leg or seat would ever be)?

And finally, I've noticed a few fenders with the stirrup leathers on the outside, like they are on both of these saddles. Again, what's the advantage of that? And does it mean that you must always ride with tall boots or they'll pinch, just like English leathers pinch if you're not wearing tall boots or half-chaps?

Thanks! And let me say again, I think they're absolutely beautiful saddles.

-- Joanne

[mudman]

Nice work!!!!!

[jwwright]

Hi Traveller Joanne..............Thanks for your generous comments. The Buster Welch term refers to the shape of the swells. Aside from the differences in horn, one being a Texas Daly metal, and the other a Wood Post, the trees in these two saddles are the same. There are several swell shapes that have been named after cowboys, horseman, etc., and this is one. Others are Olin Young, Toots Mansfield, Hogg, etc. Buster Welch is one of the finest horseman and ranchers to come along, and he helped popularize this swell shape. It is my understanding that he got the idea for the shape from the original association bronc saddles. I would bet that Mr Severe could tell much more on that subject. Among most current tree makers,there is actually not much difference between the shape of the Buster Welch and Olin Young swells.The saddle on the left has what is referred to as a loop seat. From my experience riding them, no real advantage or disadvantage..........just a punchy look that some folks favor. The same would apply to the outside or exposed stirrup leathers...........although I feel that they MIGHT offer a little bit "thinner" feel under the leg as opposed to full leathers both under the fender. Not as "thin" as half leathers though. Many of my personal saddles over the years have been loop seat and exposed stirrup leathers, and I have never experienced a rubbing or pinching issue because of them. Again, from my point of view, mostly a cosmetic deal. Thanks JW

Edited August 9, 2008 by jwwright

[jwwright]

Mudman...........Many Thanks. JW

[Traveller]

Thanks for your reply, JW. I haven't heard of half-leathers. Would you happen to have a photo of one you could post?

Thanks again!

-- Joanne

[Steve Brewer]

JW,The idea behind a loop seat is to let the owner oil his leathers easier.You can render them better.Nice pair of saddles.

Steve

[Traveller]

So Steve, is it easier to oil the leathers because you can lift them out of the seat?

Thanks for answering all my oh so basic questions!

-- Joanne

[jwwright]

Thanks Steve.

Joanne, half stirrup leathers are just like it sounds. Instead of having full stirrup leathers that are 65" or so long making the complete "circle", you have a stirrup leather about 1/2 that long that is attached at the top of the fender by rivets and stitching. The fender acts as stirrup leather as well. Hope that makes a little sense. On performance saddles......cutters, reiners, cowhorse, this set up is the normal, along with 2 1/2" wide leathers instead of 3". JW

[Traveller]

I see! So, instead of having three layers of leather between your leg and the horse -- the fender, the stirrup leather going down to the stirrup and then the stirrup leather going back up -- you only have two.

Which leads me to yet another question: are half stirrup leathers as strong as the standard "circle" leather style? Or do you have to sacrifice a little strength to get the closer contact? I would imagine that, even if the leather broke (ideally you'd have kept an eye on it and replaced it before it actually gave way while you were sitting in the saddle, leaning hard into the stirrup...), it would be a reasonably straightforward repair.

Thanks for your patience and generosity in answering my questions!

-- Joanne

[jwwright]

Joanne, I have made lots of horse tracks riding half leathers, and I don't think they wear any more quickly than full leathers. However, since the fenders are carrying much more than with a full leather arrangement, I have noticed that the fender "leg" down at the bottom can get weak and even tear some, if the fenders were not cut from good material. Just my experience, I'm sure other's mileage will vary. JW