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update on saddle

J

Jinglebob

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
5,962
Location
Western South Dakota
Here's some of what I did the other day, on the saddle.

100_0183.jpg


Here's a view of the skirts, upside down, so I can fill in the places where I "blocked" in the bars of the tree. One is almost done. I glue thick pieces in to fill up the spots that got hammered down, so that there will be a smooth line, from top of skirts to bottom, against the horses back. I make sure all of these pieces fit tight and smooth, so as not to create bumps.

100_0191.jpg


Here the skirt is done and it and the woolskin are both smeared with glue. When the glue dries, I put the skirt onto the wool hide and pound and press it down, to make a good contact. After that, I cut the skirt and woolskin out and trim and sew the hide to the skirt.

100_0193.jpg


Top and bottom view, after the hide is glued onto the skirts. Ready to be sewed.

100_0196.jpg


Here's a press my friends sent me, with hole punches mounted on it, so I can cut the holes for the adjusment buckles, on the stirrup leathers. With this tool, all of the holes stay the same distance apart. These have double holes, so there is more adjustments, on the stirrup leathers.
They used to lace these and some cowboys still like them that way, as then other people are less apt to "borrow" your saddle, cuz it takes too much work to make the stirrup leather fit a different person.

100_0197.jpg


Here's the saddle on my drawdown stand, getting the stirrup leathers, turned and stretched. There is a screw jack in the front of it and I can real put a stretch on these, so they stay turned and are less apt to strech on the side you get up on the horse on , more than the other side.

Hope you enjoyed theses. :D
 
Ya know, JB....my birthday was the first of march, so better late than never, huh??? :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: By the way, you don't have to worry about wrapping 'er up pretty for me, just let me know when you expect it in the mail!!! :shock:
 
ranchwife said:
Ya know, JB....my birthday was the first of march, so better late than never, huh??? :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: By the way, you don't have to worry about wrapping 'er up pretty for me, just let me know when you expect it in the mail!!! :shock:
Click to expand...

When I expect it in the mail. Maybe you better go back and re-read, what you wrote! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Shoot, I plumb forgot, your hubby wanted it to be a surprize! :lol: :lol:





The guy I'm building it for is gonn'a be reaaalll disapointed, too! :wink:

I sure would take an order from you tho'. Might even have it done for your next birthday! :shock: :o

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Very interesting, JB. I really like your carving (flowers). Beautiful

I was wondering if it is getting hard to buy woolskin for the lining.
I see many factory saddles (I know, that's a bad word) have
imitation wool. Of course, there is nothing like real wool, but I
wondered if it was expensive or hard to get?

My husbands hand made saddle really caused the saddle blanket to
slip when it was new. We took it to the saddlemaker and he changed the wool and the blankets held after that. So, it must be possible to put
the wool in wrong? (I'm asking)~
 
Faster horses said:
Very interesting, JB. I really like your carving (flowers). Beautiful

I was wondering if it is getting hard to buy woolskin for the lining.
I see many factory saddles (I know, that's a bad word) have
imitation wool. Of course, there is nothing like real wool, but I
wondered if it was expensive or hard to get?

My husbands hand made saddle really caused the saddle blanket to
slip when it was new. We took it to the saddlemaker and he changed the wool and the blankets held after that. So, it must be possible to put
the wool in wrong? (I'm asking)~
Click to expand...

Thank you, glad you like the carving. I did some more today but haven't taken any pictures yet. Maybe is you ask reeeaaaal nice. :lol:

The wool is supposed to keep the blankets from slipping. I feel that if there is quite a little rock to the bars in the tree, that will happen more often, but rock is good.

I don't know what the feller did to your husbands saddle, but if he changed it and it helped, he must have known what he was doing.

Supposedly, if you don't run the skin the same direction as the bars, it will slip. Ther saddle should be going the same direction as the sheep, the wool hide came off from.

Good wool hides right now are about $75 a hide. I have no idea what the imitation costs, never have used it.

When we were in Billings, we went to a museum where they were having an exhibit of Will James drawings, paintings and some of his stuff. He had a saddle that was made at Connoleys(sp) in Billings. It had carpet underneath the saddle instead of wool. Must have been made in the thirtes or there abouts, from the style.

The wool provides a very slight amount of padding, but is primarily to keep the blankets from slipping. But whenever I've ridden a barebones saddle, that has no skirts or wool, I've never had much problem with the pad or blanket slipping. Of course, I've always used a felt pad or a felt pad and a Navajo together.

Lots to learn in theis business and always something new. :D

And I'm pretty new at it. I've only been working with leather for 35 years or so. And most of that time, just kind of in the fall winter. I sure ain't no expert. :wink:
 
It's sure comin' right along, Jinglebob. I admire those who have the patience and the perfectionism to do it just right. I have a hard time just doing leatherwork, I guess I should spend time doing that than on Ranchers.net :wink: I prolly would get alot more done :wink:
 
Hanta Yo said:
It's sure comin' right along, Jinglebob. I admire those who have the patience and the perfectionism to do it just right. I have a hard time just doing leatherwork, I guess I should spend time doing that than on Ranchers.net :wink: I prolly would get alot more done :wink:
Click to expand...
Maybe, but it ain't as much fun! :D
 
Hello Jinglebob. You do nice work.

We've got four custom slick forks in my family and they all have the Blevins buckle twisted to keep the stirrups hanging right. Noticed you didn't do this. Do you have any thoughts on this? GA
 
brandinspector said:
Hello Jinglebob. You do nice work.

We've got four custom slick forks in my family and they all have the Blevins buckle twisted to keep the stirrups hanging right. Noticed you didn't do this. Do you have any thoughts on this? GA
Click to expand...

I don't use blevins. I use superior and they are just little bitty pieces that cover the posts. Blevins are bigger and bulkier. I always try to eliminate anything that adds weight. Less pounds for the horse to pack and the rider to throw on the horse.

When you put the twist in, you have to move the buckles up and they can create a lump, that can press against your leg.

If I'm going to put tapadero's on, I will advise the customer, that they probavly should have the twist. But for just plain stirrups, I don't think they are needed in this climate, as I put enough stretch on them that they seem to stay good. But I will biuld what ever the customewr wants, as long as it won't cause a problem and I know it just won't work.

I had a customer who wanted a lot of rise in the front of his ground seat, when i built his saddle. it worked for him for awhile, but he brought it back the other day and we took it all back out. He's a little bigger than when I built the saddle, so after we did this, it fit him a lot better. He seems to really like it now. I should have just put in the regular graoundseat to begin with, but the customer is always right and you live and learn.

I have put the twist on a couple of my own saddles and I've always gone in and taken them out, later as they seemed to push against my ankle and I couldn't get used to it. But I'm going to put the twist in my new one, as it will have a pair of 24 to 26 inch tapadero's, for workin' cattle in the fall and winter riding. And this time, I'll get used to it!LOL

Glad you like the work. Do you ride your slickforks with bucking rolls or without?
 
Jinglebob said:
brandinspector said:
Hello Jinglebob. You do nice work.

We've got four custom slick forks in my family and they all have the Blevins buckle twisted to keep the stirrups hanging right. Noticed you didn't do this. Do you have any thoughts on this? GA
Click to expand...

I don't use blevins. I use superior and they are just little bitty pieces that cover the posts. Blevins are bigger and bulkier. I always try to eliminate anything that adds weight. Less pounds for the horse to pack and the rider to throw on the horse.

When you put the twist in, you have to move the buckles up and they can create a lump, that can press against your leg.

If I'm going to put tapadero's on, I will advise the customer, that they probavly should have the twist. But for just plain stirrups, I don't think they are needed in this climate, as I put enough stretch on them that they seem to stay good. But I will biuld what ever the customewr wants, as long as it won't cause a problem and I know it just won't work.

I had a customer who wanted a lot of rise in the front of his ground seat, when i built his saddle. it worked for him for awhile, but he brought it back the other day and we took it all back out. He's a little bigger than when I built the saddle, so after we did this, it fit him a lot better. He seems to really like it now. I should have just put in the regular graoundseat to begin with, but the customer is always right and you live and learn.

I have put the twist on a couple of my own saddles and I've always gone in and taken them out, later as they seemed to push against my ankle and I couldn't get used to it. But I'm going to put the twist in my new one, as it will have a pair of 24 to 26 inch tapadero's, for workin' cattle in the fall and winter riding. And this time, I'll get used to it!LOL

Glad you like the work. Do you ride your slickforks with bucking rolls or without?
Click to expand...

Nice saddle in the making, Jinglebob. It tickles me somewhat, that you leave off Blevins buckles because you "try to eliminate anything that adds weight. Less pounds for the horse to pack and the rider to throw on the horse." And yet a bit later you say, "But I'm going to put the twist in my new one, as it will have a pair of 24 to 26 inch tapadero's, for workin' cattle in the fall and winter riding. And this time, I'll get used to it!"

Forgive my tongue-in-cheek good humored disrespect, but isn't this rather incongrous? :? :???: :wink: At best, those old 24-26 inch tapederoes are HEAVY, and at worst, you'll look like a displaced Mexican LOL. Now for warmth and function, wouldn't a set of monkey-nose taps serve the same purpose and be a whole lot lighter. The trouble is, they probably wouldn't look as cool. :wink: :-) Just funnin' ya. Do whatever you think best. :shock: :-)

P.S. Hope this doesn't get me kicked off of your dinner list. :wink: :-)
 
We do have one set of those strap-ons around here somewhere. I've never used them. Never was any good at riding bucking horses.

I've always got a piece of rope or a breast collar tug strap through the gullet that I reach for if things go south (and sometimes even if they may!).

Had some more ground seat removed from my saddle after riding it a while as well. Made a big difference.

The first saddle we got was from Bridger Creek Outfitters in Montana. Think the connection was made through an ad in the Western Horseman. Haven't seen anything for a long time on them.

Anybody know anything about them?
 
Soapweed said:
Forgive my tongue-in-cheek good humored disrespect, but isn't this rather incongrous? :? :???: :wink: At best, those old 24-26 inch tapederoes are HEAVY, and at worst, you'll look like a displaced Mexican LOL. Now for warmth and function, wouldn't a set of monkey-nose taps serve the same purpose and be a whole lot lighter. The trouble is, they probably wouldn't look as cool. :wink: :-) Just funnin' ya. Do whatever you think best. :shock: :-)

P.S. Hope this doesn't get me kicked off of your dinner list. :wink: :-)
Click to expand...

Thats it, your off the list! :mad: :P :lol: :lol:

You are ctrrect sir, in the fact that they will make the saddle heavier, but even with them on, they will still be lighter than that nasty ol' rig of yours! :twisted: And I know, as I picked it up when I was at your place. :lol:

But the truth is, with the long flaps, you can really use them as a sorting stick of sorts, when sorting cattle. They hang at just the right height to be in a calfs face. And I will have two pair of stirrups, so I can take them off and put regular ones on.

After listening to your WONDERFUL ( :wink: ) advice, now I think maybe I'll make a smaller pair, just for winter riding. Thanks ol' buddy! :lol:

OK, if your going to cry, your back on the list! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Along with Dis and Stevec. :shock: :o

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Jinglebob said:
But the truth is, with the long flaps, you can really use them as a sorting stick of sorts, when sorting cattle. They hang at just the right height to be in a calfs face.
Click to expand...

That is a pretty cool line of reasoning, but how often will it really come in all that handy? :wink: It's a bit like grasping at straws, but I do have to commend your original line of thinking and fast reflexes in thinking up such a plausible excuse. After all, what's an extra fifteen pounds of "flaps" if it keeps you from having to carry a sorting stick? :-) :-)

Of course, your horse still comes out the winner carrying extra "flap". My poor old horse has to carry me and my extra "flab". Oh well, thanks for reinstating me on your dinner list. I'm hungry. :? :-)
 
Soapweed said:
That is a pretty cool line of reasoning, but how often will it really come in all that handy? :wink: It's a bit like grasping at straws, but I do have to commend your original line of thinking and fast reflexes in thinking up such a plausible excuse. After all, what's an extra fifteen pounds of "flaps" if it keeps you from having to carry a sorting stick? :-) :-)

Of course, your horse still comes out the winner carrying extra "flap". My poor old horse has to carry me and my extra "flab". Oh well, thanks for reinstating me on your dinner list. I'm hungry. :? :-)
Click to expand...

I didn't come up with the idea. I read about it and tried it and it's amazing how well it works. Of course, it helps to have a horse that is a little cowy and will work good off from your legs, instead of just jerkin' on his mouth. :wink:

I built one with long taps and also angora covered saddle bags, or "anquero's", I believe they are called. When I sent the saddle, the anquero's and taps were in a seperate box and they weighed 13 pounds. I told the feller that they were goin' to add more weight to the saddle, and he replied that the saddle I built, with the taps and anquero's on it, was still lighter than his old saddle. :P :wink:

If you'd care to look at that saddle, just get a copy of the latest issue of Cowboy Magazine. It's the one I used in my ad, for this issue.

By the way, I've also read that with those long taps, when a horse goes to buckin', you just reach up and pop him in the nose with your tap and he'll pick his head up and quit bucking. I believe it would work, but I don't believe it would work for me! When they buck, I just get off and make them walk home.

Oh well, Soapweed, I guess some fellers are just too old to try and learn anything new. :wink:
 
Faster horses said:
Now you two fellas know how to get IN and OUT of an argument pretty slick. Reading some of the other posts on here, folks could take a lesson or two from you. It is beginning to be a lost art...
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After the Last Post I made on the subjecy "update on saddle" I stayed outa this one - - Tried to say nice work and got a "Load of BS"
 
OldDog/NewTricks said:
Faster horses said:
Now you two fellas know how to get IN and OUT of an argument pretty slick. Reading some of the other posts on here, folks could take a lesson or two from you. It is beginning to be a lost art...
Click to expand...

After the Last Post I made on the subjecy "update on saddle" I stayed outa this one - - Tried to say nice work and got a "Load of BS"
Click to expand...

Not from me you didn't! :mad: Boy, what a whiner! :mad:

:wink:




:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Just had to tease you a little Old dog. :D
 
Jinglebob,
Looking real good. Might have to get you to build my next saddle. I have always been one of those lace up people. I would rather somebody try to tell my dog what to do than sit in my saddle. Shoot I have to learn how to type my brain goes faster than my to pointing fingers do. Don't know about sorting calves with taps but a good set of bulldogs will sure keep you from wearing out boots in the brush or getting thorns worked through to your toes.
 
Aztumbleweed said:
Jinglebob,
Looking real good. Might have to get you to build my next saddle. I have always been one of those lace up people. I would rather somebody try to tell my dog what to do than sit in my saddle. Shoot I have to learn how to type my brain goes faster than my to pointing fingers do. Don't know about sorting calves with taps but a good set of bulldogs will sure keep you from wearing out boots in the brush or getting thorns worked through to your toes.
Click to expand...

Yup, there is usually a reason for everything. I knew them brush country cowboys used 'em. I know my shorter pair, really make a difference in the winter.

Do you have the twist in your stirrup leathers?

I want longer ones cuz it gives me more room to carve and stamp! :wink:
 

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