How to Build a Saddle?

[equestrianangel]

I'm looking into making a Western AND English saddle for the mare I ride. I will be measuring her soon but want to know where to start in building both saddles. I would need shorter stirrups as I am only 5 foot and the saddle I currently ride in is too long in the stirrups. I would like an all purpose English saddle and a highly tooled Western saddle in the pleasure style.

 

Thanks!!

[LatigoAmigo]

4 hours ago, equestrianangel said:

I would like an all purpose English saddle and a highly tooled Western saddle in the pleasure style.

Saddle making is a highly skilled art. You typically don't start your leatherworking journey there, as there are many materials and tools you will need to be familiar with, and skills you must learn. If you are serious about building these two saddles, you might look into apprenticing with a saddle maker.

[oltoot]

The "best way" and not too readily available way to start would be to repair a lot of stuff that is actually being used and make careful and complete observation of what works and doesn't.

[Klara]

On 7/20/2021 at 9:38 PM, equestrianangel said:

... I would need shorter stirrups as I am only 5 foot and the saddle I currently ride in is too long in the stirrups. ...

You are currently riding a Western saddle? Then you could start by making new stirrup leathers for this saddle. It's a more achievable project than a whole saddle and it should solve your immediate problem.