Half Leathers vs Full Leathers

[bruce johnson]

Good little discussion going on over on JW's Buster Welch ropers regarding full and half stirrup leathers. Good enough I think it could be its own topic for future searchability.

I am curious what different people think regarding full and half leathers. If you use fulls for all day saddles, halves for performance arena saddles, let the customer tell you what they want, one or the other exclusively, etc. Another part could be if you use half leathers, how do you attach them at the top - what stitching pattern and/or rivet pattern.

[jwwright]

Bruce, I have been partial to half leathers on my personal saddles for quite a while.......both all day punchin saddles or in the arena. For quite a few years actually, my saddles have served double duty as both.

I built myself a new saddle a couple months ago. On it, I tried full leathers, exposed on the outside of the fenders, but went with 2 1/2" wide. After the fenders / leathers got broke in, I really can't tell the difference between this setup and half leathers.

On half leathers, I have been using 2 rivets set across from each other horizontally. Then sewn vertically down each side about 3 inches.

When someone orders from me, they get what they prefer, and I am finding that most folks have a strong preference. I am finding that whether half or full leathers, most folks are liking the 2 1/2 " wide. JW

Edited August 11, 2008 by jwwright

[ArtS]

I've never done any half leathers. Is there an advantage or practical reason for them or is it just for looks? The closest that I've come to them is covering a set of E-Z Ride stirrups.

ArtS

Good little discussion going on over on JW's Buster Welch ropers regarding full and half stirrup leathers. Good enough I think it could be its own topic for future searchability.

I am curious what different people think regarding full and half leathers. If you use fulls for all day saddles, halves for performance arena saddles, let the customer tell you what they want, one or the other exclusively, etc. Another part could be if you use half leathers, how do you attach them at the top - what stitching pattern and/or rivet pattern.

[bruce johnson]

JW,

Thanks for the insight. I too usually let the customer decide, and you are right - most folks have a strong preference. I see some binder twine/wire repairs and weak spots that would make your head shake on saddles ridden by people that ought to know enough to check more often.

I like the 2-1/2 leathers too. I don't think I have ever seen a leather break because it was just too narrow as the only reason. The narrower leathers give me more clearance over buckles and twist in a shorter length. Probably the only place I don't offer to go to 2-1/2" would be calf roping saddles. I have some 2" Blevins style buckles, and they are dandy on kids saddles. I have some all day guys who like the 3" and that is their call.

I like the safety factor of the full leathers a little more. My brother-in-law had some rivets let go on halves on a pretty new reputation shop saddle. Ended up on his head when he went to circling a cow. Within about 5 minutes probably every saddle on the grounds had the seat jockeys lifted to check theirs. They both have been successful in the ranch horse versatility deal, and my SIL shows snaffle bitters to finished bridle horses. On any of the releathers I do for them, full is what they want. Seems like the barrel racers are split evenly, probably depending on whether they have seen one let go yet. LOL. The cutters are mostly half leathers, but tend to change out leathers and fenders more often. On the half leathers I do 2 horizontal rivets and 3 vertical stitch lines. I handsew them just because.

Another factor I think that figures in is the leathers themselves. I oil mine, sit a day, apply Williams, and let them sit a few a days. I have already wet and stretched them which makes them a little boardy. After the Williams has had a chance to soak, I work them back and forth against themselves to soften them. I put the final set on them with a stirrup stretcher. Most everybody has commented that the new leathers feel broken in right off the bat. Especially with full leathers, I could tell a difference on my own saddles.

[ArtS]

Duh, I guess I sounded stupid. I was thinking stirrups not stirrup leathers. Gee, now the post makes more sense to me.

Sorry,

ArtS

JW,

Thanks for the insight. I too usually let the customer decide, and you are right - most folks have a strong preference. I see some binder twine/wire repairs and weak spots that would make your head shake on saddles ridden by people that ought to know enough to check more often.

I like the 2-1/2 leathers too. I don't think I have ever seen a leather break because it was just too narrow as the only reason. The narrower leathers give me more clearance over buckles and twist in a shorter length. Probably the only place I don't offer to go to 2-1/2" would be calf roping saddles. I have some 2" Blevins style buckles, and they are dandy on kids saddles. I have some all day guys who like the 3" and that is their call.

I like the safety factor of the full leathers a little more. My brother-in-law had some rivets let go on halves on a pretty new reputation shop saddle. Ended up on his head when he went to circling a cow. Within about 5 minutes probably every saddle on the grounds had the seat jockeys lifted to check theirs. They both have been successful in the ranch horse versatility deal, and my SIL shows snaffle bitters to finished bridle horses. On any of the releathers I do for them, full is what they want. Seems like the barrel racers are split evenly, probably depending on whether they have seen one let go yet. LOL. The cutters are mostly half leathers, but tend to change out leathers and fenders more often. On the half leathers I do 2 horizontal rivets and 3 vertical stitch lines. I handsew them just because.

Another factor I think that factors in is the leathers themselves. I oil mine, sit a day, apply Williams, and let them sit a few a days. I have already wet and stretched them which makes them a little boardy. After the Williams has had a chance to soak, I work them back and forth against themselves to soften them. I put the final set on them with a stirrup stretcher. Most everybody has commented that the new leathers feel broken in right off the bat. Especially with full leathers, I could tell a difference on my own saddles.

[Steve Brewer]

Bruce,I build mostly cowboy saddles soI use full 3 in. leathers.unless ordered halfs.We still use laces on a few saddles.

The only saddle I am comfortable putting 2.5" leathers in are cutters and maybe ladies ,but they would have to be ordered that way.I guess I'am old school.

Steve

[Traveller]

The only saddle I am comfortable putting 2.5" leathers in are cutters and maybe ladies ,but they would have to be ordered that way.I guess I'am old school.

Does the extra half-inch provide a lot more strength?

Interesting story, Bruce, about the relatively new half-stirrups that broke on your BIL. I'm always looking for less between me and the horse (my current production saddle doesn't do such a fabulous job at that...) but I also like the idea of continuing to sit in the thing.

Edited August 12, 2008 by Traveller

[Steve Brewer]

Trav. Half leathers will have less bulk under your leg.Most saddles I build for cowboys are rode hard at a trot.Alot of wieght is put on the leathers all day.Pleasure ridders can get away with 2.5" half leathers fine.That would make even less bulk .Put that ontop a skirt rigging and you even get less.

Steve

[Traveller]

Thanks, Steve -- much appreciated!

[Steve Brewer]

Good little discussion going on over on JW's Buster Welch ropers regarding full and half stirrup leathers. Good enough I think it could be its own topic for future searchability.

I am curious what different people think regarding full and half leathers. If you use fulls for all day saddles, halves for performance arena saddles, let the customer tell you what they want, one or the other exclusively, etc. Another part could be if you use half leathers, how do you attach them at the top - what stitching pattern and/or rivet pattern.

Bruce,Got a saddle to repair from Smokey Pritchart today that changed my mind about half leathers.The top of one fender is torn into.the other is roke just above the finder.They tell me the saddle is 6 yrs. old.It is a good repair for me ,but should last longer than that.The rest of the saddle is in good shape.

Steve