Thinking about making my own saddle, What should I know?

[CorporalAgarn]

Hello there!

I am new to the forums but have lurked here for a little while trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can about making a saddle. 

I work on a family cattle ranch in Northern CA and have been riding Australian saddles for the last 10 years or so. 

I am thinking about putting together a pretty basic western saddle for myself and don't know what I don't know. 

My leather work experience is pretty minimal (repairing harness, simple saddle stitching, etc) but I have learned other skills before, so I figure I can (with help) figure this out. 

I think (open to suggestions) I want to build a 1800's style western drover saddle with a half seat, Stagg rigging(?) and exposed fenders on a Cliff Wade(?) tree.

We mostly run cattle in the mountains and much of that is like trail riding and boonie-rompin' while tracking/chasing cattle. I am interested in a saddle that could rope a small calf or move a small log out of the trail. 

My main concern is the construction of the seat. That looks a bit complex. 

So... What should I know before I start?

 

Thank you all for your time,

 

[TonyRV2]

One of the most important things about a saddle is which way faces front.  If you make it backwards, you'll never see where you're going. 

Sorry...couldn't help myself....I'm sure someone more knowledgeable on the subject will show up soon.  ;-)

[CorporalAgarn]

^^^ we got a wise guy, eh?! :D

 

[brmax]

Finding a saddle tree that works for ya and that may be liked by others to sell, so its able to produce a decent pattern base first no matter the saddler. So some traveling and testing out sellers of these,  probably is the start id say from my thinking.

 

good day there

Floyd

[cowboycolonel]

Hey Corporal,

here's what I did for my first.  find a slick fork saddle tree.  I used a Cliff Wade from Bowden saddletree (saddletree.com) because you won't have to worry about welts on the swell.  You can learn how  to do that later after you've developed some skill.  I used a stock saddle and put in a straight-up cantle (because that's what I like and it's easier than messing with a Cheyenne Roll (same reason as before)  Plan on wasting some leather until you learn how to select the right piece for the right part of the saddle.  I used 6 sides to make my first saddle and now do a complete saddle with two and have plenty of leather left over.  Also, it took me about five months to do my first and now can turn out a fully carved and stamped one in about three weeks.  Just the learning curve. 

Use only the best glue and Sharp Sharp Sharp cutting tools.  Don't be in a hurry and enjoy the process - it will make for a better product and eventually, a better ride.

This is a 565 Bowman tree - Also very easy and forgiving for a novice maker.

Edited September 17, 2016 by cowboycolonel