First Saddle Design

[HannahT]

Oltoot, I've been reading a lot from all the saddle makers on here and totally agree with you now about fit. I have a couple horses and don't ride too many others, but I switch out every now and then and I'd like to have something that'll work for just about anything I get. I almost always ride the same kind horse, so it's not like I'll have to fit a Clydesdale, an Arab, and a TB or something. I may try some border stamping. 

I like Weaver for some hardware and things like that, but I sure don't want to take a chance on TR. I got some low grade HO once that wasn't good for ANYTHING. I'm looking pretty seriously at Montana Leather, if I go with HO.

[rdl123]

Hello Hannah,

It looks to me like you've been given excellent advice.

If you haven't already purchased a tree I would like to second Oltoots advice - Call Sonny Felkins.  My last saddle was built on one of his and it is very square and very true.  Also, after lots of riding and brandings this season I can say that it fits all of our quarter horses very well.

I have limited experience having only built two rigs so far:  However, my advice based on this limited experience is:

1) Use the best tree you can afford

2) Use the best leather you can afford.  I like Hermann Oak - (I have successfully bough some of my HO from Montana Leather too)

3) Use all stainless steel or brass hardware. Nothing nickel plated.

4) take your time - If you get in a jamb better to stand back and analyse till you see your way clear

I found the DVD's invaluable - I bought both Jeremiah Watts & Dale Harwoods.  I think they are well worth it.  If the tips they provide saves you wrecking one side of leather they pretty much pay for themselves!

I think Steve Brewers all leather ground seat tutorial (pinned at start of saddle construction forum)  is a good place to start for building ground seats.  I used his techniques on first two saddles and have no complaints.

Some of the best advice I have seen is "make it look handmade, not home made"!

This info may or may not help you too:  My first saddle gallery, My second saddle gallery, my first saddle forum.

Good Luck & Happy Building,

Ron L

 

 

[HannahT]

Yes, rdl123, all the advice everyone on here has given me has been great. I can hardly believe my luck, finding so many people who have had experience with leather and are willing to share what they know. Some people are kind of close-mouthed about how they do things, and I've run into lots of horse people who treated me like an idiot because I asked them something. From the looks of yours, it seems like we kind of have the same taste in saddles. I'm looking at the Ray Hunt wade tree--I don't really rope much, but there's something I like about the shape of it. I still haven't ordered my tree--I've changed what I wanted a few times, based on what I've learned about what I'll have to do to build on the different styles--but I've pretty well settled on a wade and I'll probably go with Sonny Felkins.