T Moore Medicine Hat Saddlery Report post Posted January 11, 2020 Has anyone built or even seen work saddles built out of harness leather instead of skirting ? I saw a couple years ago when I was working with Carl Darr. I've often wondered how they held up over the years. At the time they were used hard and we're pretty rough and we're old but I've never seen another one Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdOdgers Report post Posted March 19, 2020 I've used harness leather for some components of saddles such as rig liner (flat plate rigging) and rear billets/cinches. I can't imagine being able to case harness leather adequately to mold a seat, swells, horn cover, blocking skirts, etc. I have had limited success with molding harness leather after casing with hot water (scabbards etc.) but I shudder to think of the effort required to install a saddle seat. It would be interesting to know how others have succeeded. Durability of harness is great, just don't think the lack of molding characteristics is suited to saddle building. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hidemechanic Report post Posted November 3, 2020 I know it's been awhile but I thought I'd comment for others wondering. I have seen a saddle made with harness, it was a hunting rig to go with a pack outfit. It was a minimalist design as harness is heavy, held up well. I designed an endurance saddle that I covered with black latigo, was an english/western hybrid. Kind of a mother Hubbard/in skirt affair. Fender looked kinda goofy but when that long legged gal was in the seat everything fit. Was ridden hard and still going strong over the Northwest trails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
