Contributing Member JLSleather Posted January 22, 2020 Contributing Member Report Posted January 22, 2020 Intimidated? Maybe I shoulda condensed a bit more! I mean if you want to learn "equine" stuff, then learn that. If you want to make wallets, then learn that. And if you want to make drink coasters, then learn that. None of them "harder" or "easier" than the other - just different. Surfers don't get better by practicing tennis Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members Kent Richards Posted February 12, 2020 Members Report Posted February 12, 2020 I agree completely with JLSleather. Buying quality tack instead of junk requires knowledge also. That amount of knowledge is a good beginning to start making your own. I wouldn't worry much about making some of your own tack not being safe. Anyone spending time around horses had better realize that sooner or later the unexpected will happen anyway. When you do have a problem it's better to plan a remedy than thinking everything is always perfect. Quote
Members steven1 Posted February 20, 2020 Members Report Posted February 20, 2020 The first leather project that got me going in leatherwork was a headstall, because I needed it at the time. It wasn't beautiful but it was safe. It was a simple brow band headstall, a loose ring snaffle still hangs on it and it is still used on occasion many years later. It is quite satisfying to build your own tack. Quote
Members gmace99 Posted February 21, 2020 Members Report Posted February 21, 2020 I am a English saddle maker and instructor As said above. Horse equipment involves safety. Not using the correct leather or thread can be dangerous. You could make a lead rein This is basically a dog lead. It is a straight piece of 4mm leather with a dog clip. Use a size 12 or a size 3/18 thread to stitch. i have about 70 videos on you tube aimed at beginners. There may be some items on that For you and your daughter to make my website is www.uksaddlery.com. And my you tube is uksaddlery. If you need a little advice you will get my email on my website. Where in the world are you. I may know someone near who may be able to advise you Quote www.uksaddlery.com Saddlery training courses in Dunoon Scotland UK.
Members OLESKIVER Posted August 9, 2020 Members Report Posted August 9, 2020 also you mentioned the " Al Stohlman " book on saddle making. this would be an absolute must have if saddle making is something you really want to do. learn from the master. He even found that the way the saddle is built. and the style or type of tree used affects the way it sits on a horse plus effects the horse, ie biting, bucking, saddle sores, etc. very, very informative. plus Tandy offers a pattern pak on horse gear, breast collar, headstalls, etc. oh, and in the stohlman book he also gives you a saddle tree type you can use as a practice piece if you just want to learn how to make saddles but not use them. hope this helps, oh and you might want to check out osborn leathertools.com Quote
Members Mulesaw Posted February 13, 2021 Members Report Posted February 13, 2021 I would start out making a leather halter. The easiest and cheapest way to do that in my experience is to either find an old halter in the stable that has a broken carabiner. You buy a new carabiner and then you simply copy that halter 1:1 using leather instead of the nylon webbing and reusing all the old pieces of hardware on the halter. Most of the cheap everyday halters are made out of 25 mm nylon straps (webbing), so you would be well under way if you got yourself some 25 mm leather straps. If you can't find a broken halter in the stable (or if you don't have access to a stable, then just buy a new cheap halter and do the same, in that case you have all the necessary hardware on hand, and you have a live functioning model so you can se how it should be put together. Most people in the horse world I know uses a nylon halter for everyday use like getting the horse to and from the paddocks, and then when it is time for some competition you put on a nice leather halter. https://www.horze.dk/grimer/horze-howard-grime/22244.html#color=RBBR https://www.horze.dk/grimer/horze-basic-grime/22239.html#color=BL The first link would make a nice halter project, and the buckles for the neck strap would work just as well in leather. the second link is cheaper but the neck buckle might not work that well for leather. Depending on if your daughter has got any friends with horses, or does riding herself etc. I would suggest making a size of halter that would fit any horse that she may know and hopefully have access to. If she has got a friend that has a pony, well then buying and making a pony size would be ideal, there is a special sense of pride in seeing a horse wearing something that you have made, and it will be equally frustrating to have made a really nice halter size X full, just to realize that no one within 3 hours drive has got a Clydesdale, a Suffolk Punch or a Shire that you could try the piece out on. Good look and have fun. Quote
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