Side Saddle

[steadybrook]

Looking for patterns or info on side saddle miniture patterns?

[DJ1935]

Hi Steadybrook I put a similar request on the LeatherPros forum asking for some help with a full size western side saddle. The silence was deafening! If anyone out there can help with the construction of these saddles it would be much appreciated, thanks. DJ

[brandywine]

Oh hi, first post but I'm here for sidesaddle info too.

There are only a handful of sidesaddlers left, worldwide. To compound the problem, there are only a handful of sidesaddle tree markers left.

The professional sidesaddlers are usually pretty cagey about where they source their trees, because it's a limited supply. But I know for english SS trees, Aulton & Butler seem to be one of the only commercial makers. For western trees, Wayne Swan makes them via Hundred Oaks saddlery.

There are a thousand pitfalls when making a sidesaddle, as demonstrated by all the cr*ptastic ones for sale on ebay. Are you looking to restore an old one, or to start from scratch?

To be honest, the best place for SS info is on a facebook group called Sidesaddle Riders! (yes with the exclamation mark) - active members include almost all the professional sidesaddlers worldwide, who are very generous with time and advice.

LindaF and Lillian (Linda Fleming and Lillian Chaudhry) are top sidesaddlers who are on the fb site. They are members of this board, but haven't been active for ages.

Other great sites are

http://www.sidesaddle.com/store/saddles/saddles.html - the site of the ISSO (International Sidesaddle Organisation), they keep the photos of all sidesaddles that they sell online as a resource

http://hundredoaksinc.com/overview - they make new western sidesaddles

http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/ - the british do everything properly!

http://www.lauradempseysaddler.co.uk/ - another professional sidesaddle maker who is very helpful

http://www.nickcreaton.co.uk/museum_gallery.html - Nick is an encyclopaedia of SS history

[Skipndance]

Hi all,

I know this is an old post, but I saw this thread and wanted to mention that Lillian Chaudhary was my mom and passed away in July of 2014. I've kept all of her tools and have a couple of sidesaddles I had bought to have her restore, but didn't get done. I'm hoping to gradually build my skills doing smaller projects and then eventually restore the two sidesaddles. DJ1935, my mom specialized in western sidesaddles, so I may be able to help if you are still looking for info. I know the Australian sidesaddle riders are always looking for saddlers who are familiar with sidesaddles. If anyone has any questions about sidesaddles, I'm happy to answer or try to point you in the right direction.

Thanks,

Anita

Edited February 23, 2016 by Skipndance