In-Skirt Vs Regular Rigging?

[thenrie]

I am doing the study part in preparation for my first saddle. Looked around the forums, but didn't find much comparing the utility of in-skirt rigging vs regular rigging with full skirts. I have books by various saddlemakers, each of whom has their own way of doing things and obviously they all work, or they wouldn't be selling saddles. I am particularly interested in Davy Jones' way of doing in-skirt rigging. I plan to start by making a couple of pony saddles for nieces and nephews, then on to saddles for myself and my father.

Dad and I spend most of our saddle time packing or on long day rides, putting lots of miles in the saddle, but seldom doing anything like working cattle. Seems like reducing the weight of the saddle would be reasonable for our needs, however, I prefer my heavy old Hamley ranch saddle over any other saddle I've ever ridden. I've read complaints about in-skirt rigging, that it doesn't allow the saddle rigging to "breathe" like regular rigging and full-skirts do. Others like in-skirt rigging, saying it keeps the saddle in place better and is more comfortable for the horse.

I'd like to hear some opinions from saddle makers on the subject, before I make up my mind about it. Do you like in-skirt rigging? Why or why not?

Thanks in advance.

[CWR]

If it is done right, I think it is as good as any of the other methods. It could be argued that it is stronger than a Dee digging. I never heard the breathing theory, but the skirts can be just as full as you want them.

CW

[oltoot]

IMHO a well done skirt rig is hands down better than anything else. There are umpteen ways to do a skirt rig; many good, some great others yuck. If possible, the best way to evaluate is in comparing well used versions for wear and rider reaction. Not everybody agrees with me or others but as you said they are still selling saddles (along with their competing rationales). All but my first and second personal saddles have been skirt rigs and they have all given me lots of miles of great service and btw held up to jerking big cattle on them, too although in my last 20 yrs horseback, I learned the easier, kinder both to horses and cattle, dally and let rope run ways of working cattle and didn't subject animals nor saddles to as much stress. But I digress.

[thenrie]

Thanks.

I wanted to hear from some folks who might have used both, and particularly from those who have really used them. Seems like so often I see things written by people who just want to be authoritative, without the experience behind it. Take the "breathing" issue I mentioned, for instance. I've been riding a long time and I have yet to have a cinch or rigging die of suffocation on me. I just didn't want to assume without getting a couple good opinions on it.

I think my first effort is going to be a light weight roughout pony saddle for my nieces and nephews. I got their dad's old pony saddle that was in poor condition and unrestorable, and stripped it. I'm making a duplicate of the tree and will wrap it with a layer of fiberglass, rather than trying to rawhide it myself. I think I'll make it with in-skirt rigging according to Davy Jones' ideas and see how it turns out.

My second effort will likely be the pony saddle I learned to ride on many, many years ago. I have rebuild the tree and plan to wrap it in fiberglass as well. While the original leather is in bad shape, it's good enough for patterns. I think I'll try making that one close to original. It will be for my first granddaughter, who's still a bit too young to ride.

Looking forward to getting started. Still have a couple fixtures to complete in my shop before I can work on the saddles.

Thanks again.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

For my money , in-skirt, regular, or plate rigging when done right, will all get good grades. To me it is a matter of customer preference, that determines which I make for a specific customer. I have made and use all three, and not found a difference that I would put one ahead of the other. For my personal saddles, I usually make plate rigging. Done right, they are all strong and durable and last a long time. Like Toot said, look at well used saddles and look where they are worn. Then make up your own mid as to what it is that you like.

Bob