saddlemaking books

[bruce johnson]

Well, we might as well not leave the writers out here. Let's start a thread on saddlemaking books too- Stohlman, Harry Adams, John Hopper, John Beck, Bob Likewise, etc.

Bruce

[barra]

Bruce. Of those I only have the 3 Stohlman books and have not heard of the others so info on those would be appreciated. I like Al's books and as far as self help/learn to make something from a book goes I find them fairly comprehensive. I like his clear drawings and expanations. I have enough knowledge (some may say enough to be armed and dangerous) to work out what he is on about. The western saddle is a relatively new beasty for me being more English/Australian stock trained. There are many features of the western I don't like but the same can be said of our stock saddle in it's traditional form which is to me sadly dying. Both countries have completely different needs and hence a need for a completely different saddle. At the present time I am really enjoying learning about western saddle making.

I can look at Al's book and go oh yeah I see what he means or no Al I don't agree with that method, but hey differing opinions are what makes the world go around. This is one reason I am enjoying this site so much (the sharing of opinions freely). I also have Robin Yates book which is basic at best.

[Jim M]

Speaking of English saddles, here's an online book in PDF form -

http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/archive/...kingasaddle.asp

[bruce johnson]

Barra,

I think the Stohlman books are the most complete, and Lord knows, hundreds of saddles have been made using them as the only guide. That said, I like your line "differing opinions are what makes the world go round". That is the gist of why we are here.

I have the Stohlman books and do find them a good resource. My "go to" book now and for the last several years is Harry Adams' book "Saddle Makers Shop Manual". Harry is deceased and his daughter was still selling it last I heard. I am sorry I don't have the contact info handy, but someone can come up with it I am sure. This book goes through making a Wade saddle in the first section. The second section covers variations - swell forks, different seats, riggings, horn covering techniques, etc. My favorite part is that he shows you how to make patterns "on the fly". It is a notebook binder style book. I finally at the suggestion of a friend put each page in a pocket page protector to preserve the pages.

I agree with you on the Yates' books. Some good tips, techniques not really showed all that well in other sources, but a little sparse. They are an OK value for the money. I think about $30-40 gets them both from ShopTalk.

Johns Hopper's book Cowboy Complete Saddlemaking is almost a cult classic. Snapped up on ebay for prices more than the value of the info to me. There is a section on accessory items in the back (bucking rolls, saddlebags, hobbles, halters, etc) that is pretty good. Hard to find and pricey when you do.

If I had to only have a couple - they would be Harry Adams first and Stohlmans second if I had done some saddles before. If I hadn't built many, the order would be reversed. Either way I guess, a person would want both. The others are OK, mostly out of print, and the info is either sparse or "dated".

Bruce Johnson

[Jim M]

Harry Adams' book "Saddle Makers Shop Manual" is still available and orders are being handled by his daughter Betty Ike. She emailed me tonight and gave me permission to post her contact info, but I hate to put it in an open forum where spammers might get it. Anyone who would like it is welcome to contact me.

EDIT

We have reorganized our company, and most people are still trying to get a hold of my younger sister Iris. I am Harry's oldest daughter and am in charge of processing the book orders now.

People can email me, subject Saddle Makers Shop Manual.

Best Regards,

Betty Ike

(used with permission)