Covering A Wood Post Horn

[KGeorge]

I am new to saddle making and I am starting construction on a wade saddle on a Rick Reid tree here soon. I've read lots of articles on here about a wade horn covering being different than the usual metal (and other non wood post) horn wrap. The only method I have seen/have instructions on is in the al stohlman saddle making encyclopedia which (if I'm right) is the method used to cover metal (and other non wood post) horns. I understand the cap part of covering the wood post horn but I'm not understanding how to cover/wrap the neck and be able to sew all around the horn cap. Could someone clue me in on this method? I'd sure appreciate it!

[rdl123]

Hello KGeorge,

I am new to saddle making as well - I had this exact question on my first saddle...

Here is the technique I used - Not sure where I picked it up but it seemed to work for me. Hopefully this sketch I made makes sense.

Here is a picture of the actual saddle horn...

As you can see I didn't make the prettiest job of it however it seems to work & nothing has moved even after roping a few bulls.

Its important to really nail that filler piece down good. If I recall correctly I used a piece of 14oz skirting, cased it and hammer jacked it down to about 8 or 10oz. Basically pounded it with a flat faced hammer to compress it and make it firmer. The filler is the only thing besides a bit of glue keeping your horn from rotating when you dally up with something big on the end of your rope.

Others will likely have better ideas / techniques and i'd like to hear / see them too...

Ron L

[KGeorge]

It defenetly makes sense. Thank you! I think you did a really nice job with that horn. I hope mine looks as good!