The makings of a Western Pleasure Saddle Set.

This is the base of the saddle.  I have Hand tooled the leather in to a Leaf and Basket weave pattern.  The edging is a stamp.  The silver corner plates are RioRondo pattern # P143.




I've set the saddle tree,  ( tree by Kirsteen Haley)and I am checking the stirrup dee rings for the stirrups to attach to.  This shows here that they are a little too far forward and they need to move back in the middle of the saddle seat.



I've added the upper back skirt, it will need to be trimmed a little to give room for the stirrup fenders.

A look at the saddle from above, this helps to see if it is centered.

I add silver tape to the rear of the cantle for a showy look.

The front angle, looks good!

This shows that the Dee rings have been moved back and the stirrups hang nicely.

The look is coming together now.

I've drawn on paper a pattern for the fender flaps. I'm also checking to see if I have room for the silver piece.

Here I've taken the pattern and cut out the fender flap in leather.  I'm gluing on the Silver corner piece with super glue GEL.  Be patient it needs to dry very well to hold.

After the glue has dried I wet the leather carefully by using a paintbrush dipped in clean water.  Don't get the silver wet, it loosens the glue.  Now that the leather is damp I use the bevel tool to make an edge.  Then I use a tool that makes the tiny sewing wholes on the edge. Not around the silver , this is not sewn on real saddles.

After I edge it I start my design.  I used a tiny hole stamp to make the design , then I used the bevel tool to make the tiny raised line that will seperate the next step.

A closer pic of the Fender Flap.

To make the leaf design I use the tracing paper I get from RioRondo.  I lay it down on the damp leather and draw the leaf.

I trace the leaves with a swival knife and press the edges with a plastic round ended tool.

I've added a basket weave design inside the raised edge then sealed it all with Tan Kote.

I've added the fender flap, it's beginning to come together now.

Here I'm checking the seat and stirrups with a Traditional size Breyer doll.





In this pic you can see the design, I try to make all my saddles OOAK.   I added the conchos and the cantle piece to finish  the seat. More to come.................................

 





Here I am judging at the Carolina Gold show in 2011.  This is one awesome show.  Julia and Robin know how to do it right.  I have my 3 hundred power glasses on so not to miss a thing. Many fine set ups in the performance classes.




 This set up is by Pat Hefty,  a wonderful performance shower.  She CM this pretty little pinto herself.  Truly a BLUE ribbon winner!



 By adding the finishing touches to this saddle makes it a complete look.

I added silver tips to the back cinch straps.

I have added the silver conchos.

I have a cinch ordered it will be the color of the dark stain.

Here I'm checking stirrup length with a tradional Breyer doll. I like it , it has a light bend at the knee and the heel of the doll is down.