WHat's the best way to learn about saddles? Make one!
Good friends Lee and Mel put me up for a week 3 years ago, and introduced me to equine driving. They've followed my progress during the time since. Lee recently proposd to buy my wagon gear in exchange for which he would buy all the materials for a custom saddle and, if I could deliver the gear and spend 10 days, tutor me in the building of my own custom mule saddle.
I had forgotten Lee makes high-end custom saddles. Answer: Yes!!
Last night I delivered the gear. Today the work began. Was a thrill to see the tree sitting waiting on a stand in the workroom. The tree custom carved to Butch's measurements.
Good friends Lee and Mel put me up for a week 3 years ago, and introduced me to equine driving. They've followed my progress during the time since. Lee recently proposd to buy my wagon gear in exchange for which he would buy all the materials for a custom saddle and, if I could deliver the gear and spend 10 days, tutor me in the building of my own custom mule saddle.
I had forgotten Lee makes high-end custom saddles. Answer: Yes!!
Last night I delivered the gear. Today the work began. Was a thrill to see the tree sitting waiting on a stand in the workroom. The tree custom carved to Butch's measurements.
Then the work was so absorbing time flew by... made fenders, stirrups, cut & shaped skirt. Practiced tooling and tooled the fenders. Learned all about the details of leatherwork, parts of a hide, types of leatyher, styles of saddles, etc. ... Lee is an endless source of knowledge which he shares all day long.
Tonight I am BEAT! Can't believe how tired - didn't feel like work at the time!
Don't know how to post pics here on his computer yet. I'm only on for a few minutes end of day so posts will be short til I'm back in Tucson. If you are reading this thanks! More in coming days!
Tonight I am BEAT! Can't believe how tired - didn't feel like work at the time!
Don't know how to post pics here on his computer yet. I'm only on for a few minutes end of day so posts will be short til I'm back in Tucson. If you are reading this thanks! More in coming days!
the tree is wood with Kevlar covering then sprayed with covering. Very strong and lite.
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