English Tack Stirrup Leathers

[plinkercases]

I just received an order to replace a favorite set of stirrup leathers to go on an English Saddle.

They are full grain straps not leather covered nylon webbing.

I have 10-11 oxz harness leather in stock but wonder if there is a better tannage or weight if there are any English tack makers around here.

I have the Stohlman saddle volumes but the western stirrup leathers are a different animal all together.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Murray

[Birdman]

1) As a minimum stirrup leathers should be made from 4.5 ---- 5mm veg tanned stirrup butt. This is usually oak bark tanned.

They are made so that the grain side takes the wear from the stirrup iron.

2)Better still is 'buffalo' hide. of the same thickness. It is more expensive, stretches under use, but if any leather is unbreakable, it's this stuff. Especially suitable for heavy use by the larger rider.

Making leathers with the grain to the iron is not necessary when using buffalo.

3)'English Rawhide' of same thickness can also be used for heavy use. I think what we call rawhide is slightly different to what is called rawhide in the USA ?

Ours is made by stopping the tanning so that an untanned centre creates a natural laminate. Very tough, but it does not flex like buffalo. It is traditionally used for Polo players equipment.

4)For children, good quality bridle butt can be used---again make so that the grain side is the contact with irons.

Use 5/18 linen thread.

All can be obtained from Abbey England.

http://www.abbeyengland.com/en-gb/home.aspx

They will do cut lengths of 1,2,and 3.

[Erystawi]

For english stirrups: I used oil tanned harness leather minimum 3mm, better 5mm, cut from the best back/spine piece. Grain side contact the iron. Made mine 15 years ago, stretched only a little

[plinkercases]

Peter Phillips at Abbey England was a great help and we got to exactly what I needed and with very reasonable price event to ship then... the customer cancelled the project. But(t) now I know where to go. Thanks all.