The Art and Tradition of Saddle Making
In This Article
- Saddle Making Step By Step Overview
- Our Favorite Saddlemaker Videos
- Best Online Saddle Making Courses
- Top Saddle Making Books
- How Are Saddles Made
- Additional Resources for Saddle Makers
- Top Saddle Making Schools & Classes
- Famous and Well Respected Saddle Makers
- Breyer Horse Saddle Making
- Helpful Links
Saddle making is an art of passion and precision, blending beauty and functionality to create reliable, comfortable saddles. Western saddle making involves leatherworking tools and supplies, patterns, a great teacher, and lots of practice.
Central to this craft is the construction of the saddle tree from materials like wood, fiberglass, or metal, meticulously covered with high-quality leather to meet specific rider needs.
This process, from shaping the tree to applying conditioned leather, demands expertise and attention to detail, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Join us as we explore the art of saddle making, from initial hand-tooling to the final finish, revealing the dedication and skill in crafting these timeless pieces.
Saddle Making Step By Step Overview
Saddle making is the art of crafting a Western saddle the saddler is not only proud of, but one that will last a lifetime. It needs to be safe and comfortable for both horse and rider.
Saddle Making Supplies
To make a saddle, you will need a great school (or teacher) and some supplies.
Leather: This is the primary material used to make saddles. Different parts of the saddle require different types of leather, such as sturdy and stiff leather for the tree and breathable and pliable leather for the seat
Canvas, felt, and wool: These materials are used for the seat of the saddle
Plastic foam, rubber, and linen: These materials are used for the panels of the saddle
Glue, stain, stitching thread, oil, tacks, screws, rivets, conchos, and buckles: These are some of the supplies needed to make a saddle
Bone, Micarta, plastic, horn, or Fossil Ivory: These are some of the materials used for the saddle's bridge or nut in the case of a guitar
Crafting table: A crafting table is needed to arrange the materials and supplies
Knowledge and skills: Making a saddle requires knowledge and skills in leatherwork, sewing, and woodworking, among others
Step-By-Step Instructions
Tree Construction: It all starts with the saddle tree, the backbone of the saddle. We use traditional materials like wood covered in rawhide or modern synthetics. Each tree part, like the bars, seat, swells, horn, and cantle, is carefully shaped.
Cutting the Leather: Choosing the right leather is crucial. We use a matched pair of hides, ensuring consistent thickness. Each saddle part is strategically cut from the hide for balance and consistency.
Casing the Leather: The leather for the gullet and cantle is dampened and then wrapped in wool blankets overnight. This process, called 'casing', evenly disperses moisture and prepares the leather for shaping.
Shaping the Saddle: We start with the gullet and cantle, carefully shaping them to blend with the tree. The rigging is fitted next, ensuring symmetry and balance.
Ground Seat Creation: A crucial step for rider comfort. We layer six levels, tailored to different saddle types like Wade, reiner, or roper. Once shaped and dried, it's sanded smooth.
Covering Swells and Skirts: These are added next, paying attention to symmetry. Filler leather prevents curling, ensuring proper contact with the horse.
Jockeys and Seat: The seat is aligned with the saddle's center line. Leather is cased to prevent wrinkles and then drawn down tightly for a smooth fit.
Cantle Shaping: We recess the stitches in the cantle to extend their lifespan and hand-tool it for a unique look.
Horn Preparation: The horn is carefully covered, nailed, and glued to maintain its shape over time.
Fenders and Stirrups: Cut to the rider's specifications, we remove any stretch from the fenders and stirrup leathers for comfort and safety.
Adding Accessories: Conchos, billets, rear cinches, and other elements are cut and prepared.
Drilling and Lacing: Holes are drilled for the saddle strings, which are then laced through. Sheepskin is glued on for extra comfort.
Oiling and Greasing: Every piece is liberally oiled with neatsfoot oil and greased to ensure an even look and reduce squeaks.
Final Assembly: Everything is put back together, with the horn wrapped last in materials like mule hide or latigo.
Our Favorite Saddlemaker Videos
Best Online Saddle Making Courses
- Armitage Beginner Saddle Making Courses
- This is a foundation course intended to plainly set out clear working practices, good habits, appropriate tool use and correct skills. It is designed for those just starting out or early in their leather working journey. With the knowledge that you are getting the correct advice that suits what you are trying to achieve, this course is the ideal first step in achieving your leatherworking goals.
- The Art of SaddleMaking by Jeremiah Watt DVD
- Laid out in a step by step process, you will learn the stages of building your first saddle. There are 10 hours of educational information given in a clear and concise manner that is easily understood. The saddle made on this DVD is a Wade saddle, all rough out, we would call it a nice take it and use it ranch saddle.
Top Saddle Making Books
- Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding
- The Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding is the definitive work on the subject and results from the late Bruce Grant’s many years of interest and experience as a braider and writer on the subject. It combines most of the material published in Leather Braiding and How to Make Cowboy Horse Gear with a mass of completely new material. The book’s more than 350 illustrations are arranged so that the step-by-step instructions face the picture being described, making it very easy to follow
- The Stohlman Encyclopedia of Saddle Making
- Explains the basics of saddle making, including tools needed, saddle parts, and rigging, saddle trees, and more.
- How To Make Cowboy Horse Gear
- Written by a man who made a lifelong study of leather craft and rawhide work, How to Make Cowboy Horse Gear is the answer to many requests for how-to-do-it information. Bridles, hackamores, reins, reatas, quirts, and riding crops are among the articles of gear that can be made using this well-illustrated book as a guide.
- Leathercraft by Nigel Armitage
- In this modern age of technology and speed, what is taught in master crafter Nigel Armitage's renowned workshop follows a very traditional and timeless theme. Here, for the first time, he offers a learning resource and projects for leathercrafters who believe that high quality matters, in how you make things and in the finished results.
- Saddlemaking Construction & Repair Techniques
- Dusty Johnson, an internationally recognized saddlemaking instructor and author, provides complete saddlemaking details in this manual. It is practical , easy to read and fully illustrated with clear photos and drawings. Included are "Bench Notes"-invaluable hints and techniques seldom discovered without devoting years of study with a Master Leathercraftsman.
- Western Saddle Making
- Robin Yates has been Australia's leading maker of custom Western saddlery since 1960. This 2nd edition book includes instructions for materials, tools, and detailed procedures with photos and illustrations.
How Are Saddles Made
Saddles are made through a tedious process called saddle making, which balances aesthetics and precision to create a safe and comfortable horse saddle.
The core of saddle making involves shaping the saddle tree, typically made of wood, fiberglass, or metal, and covering it with carefully cut and shaped high-quality leather.
This meticulous process starts with treating leather, considering factors like saddle type, size, and rider's preferences, to craft a piece that is as functional as it is visually appealing. From intricate hand-tooling for decorative saddles to the final oil or wax finish, each step in saddle making is a testament to the saddlemaker's skill, culminating in a unique and durable product.
Additional Resources for Saddle Makers
Saddle Making Kits
While it might sound simple to buy a saddle making kit and build a saddle of your own, it’s actually not quite that simple. These are a few reasons not to buy a saddle making kit:
Absence of Expert Guidance: Without the mentorship of an experienced saddle maker, you may struggle with complex aspects like properly fitting the tree to a horse. This kind of skilled work really needs the personal guidance of a pro.
Concerns About Quality and Suitability: You need high-quality tools and leather to make a good quality saddle. And the quality and appropriateness of tools and materials in saddle making kits just may not be good enough.
Saddle Making Patterns
Saddle making patterns are the basic blueprints for creating Western saddles of any size or style. They’re all about cutting the right leather shapes and don't include any fancy carving or decorating details.
These patterns have clear marks to show where to place them on the hide and directions for skiving, which means thinning the leather for a snug fit on the saddle frame.
Getting the layout right on the hide is key to making sure the saddle is balanced and consistent. You can buy these patterns, which come as full-size paper sheets. Each pack has several sheets with specific marks and skiving instructions to guide you through the saddle-making process.
Leather Working Tools
You'll need the right tools for saddle making to get started.
- Saddle Making Tools
- Weaver makes a great comprehensive leathercraft tool kit. It comes with a beginner's book with step-by-step techniques and expert tips for a variety of projects. Plus you'll get some basic leathercrafing tools including a Mini Punch Set, three setters, scratch awl, skife knife, wooden strap cutter, poly cutting board, Heritage® Compound Action Revolving Punch, polyhead mallet, and Olfa® Cushion Grip Knife.
Saddle Stitching Thread Length Calculator
Check out this handy calculator to find the right stitching thread length.
Top Saddle Making Schools & Classes
If you’re interested in earning a living at saddle making, On average, saddlers earn $70,000 per year and this number can be much higher or much lower depending on the business model.
Montana Horseman Saddle Building School
Montana Horseman Saddle Building School is a saddle making school located in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded by Dale Moore and has over 50 years of experience and is considered the world's leading saddle building school.
The school's mission is to teach students, regardless of where they're from, how to build a western saddle, learn leatherwork, and use this knowledge to create the future of their dreams. The school's courses are designed to provide students with marketable knowledge that they can use to start their own saddle making business.
The school offers several courses in saddle making, including a 4-week course in basic saddle making and a five-week course in advanced saddle building. The courses are taught by master saddle builders and provide students with a fully immersive, hands-on curriculum.
Pros
Experienced Instructors: The school boasts over 50 years of experience and offers instruction from master saddle building instructors
Immersive Curriculum: Students receive hands-on training with a fully immersive, learn-by-doing approach
Marketability: Graduates acquire valuable skills in saddle making and leatherwork, enabling them to pursue careers in the field
Personalized Experience: The school is known for its personal touch, with a focus on individualized instruction and a supportive environment
Cons
Cost: The tuition cost and non-refundable deposit may be prohibitive for some students
Limited Availability: Accommodations and class space may be limited, requiring early booking
Sierra Saddlery School
The Sierra Saddlery School is an institution that has been offering comprehensive training in saddlemaking since 1977. Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the school aims to teach every facet of saddlemaking, providing students with the necessary skills to become fine craftsmen and potentially establish their own businesses.
The school is run by Victor Hermanson, a highly experienced and self-taught saddle maker with 35 years of experience. The focus of the school is on passing on knowledge and interacting with people to create products that enhance their lives. The school's approach is more about the craft and interaction with students rather than collecting industry accolades or entering competitions.
Their popular Introduction to Saddlemaking and Leatherworks is perfect for beginners. It’s a hands-on 5-week comprehensive course that teaches the basics of making saddles, along with carving and tooling techniques. But they offer a range of classes and sleeping accommodations for students.
Pros
Experienced Instruction: Led by Victor Hermanson, who has 35 years of experience, the school offers students the chance to learn from a self-taught, highly skilled craftsman.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The school covers every aspect of saddlemaking, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in the craft.
Hands-On Learning: Their Introduction to Saddlemaking and Leatherworks course, ideal for beginners, is a 5-week hands-on program. This approach is beneficial for practical learning and skill development.
Focus on Craft and Interaction: The school's emphasis on the craft and student interaction fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Opportunity for Business Skills: Learning from an experienced saddle maker who has established his own business can provide invaluable insights for students interested in starting their own businesses.
Accommodations for Students: The provision of sleeping accommodations is a significant convenience, especially for out-of-town students.
Cons
Limited Industry Recognition: The school’s focus on craft and student interaction over collecting industry accolades or participating in competitions might limit students' exposure to broader industry recognition or competitive experiences.
Self-Taught Instructor: While Victor Hermanson's self-taught background is inspiring, some students might prefer instructors with formal training or varied instructional backgrounds.
Location Specific: Being located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, might limit accessibility for students who live far away and cannot commit to long-term accommodation.
Narrow Focus: The school's primary focus on saddlemaking might not cater to students looking for a broader curriculum that includes other aspects of leatherworking or equestrian gear making.
Time Commitment: The 5-week introductory course might be a significant time commitment for some, especially those with other obligations like jobs or family.
Cost Implications: Attending any specialized school often comes with financial implications, including tuition, materials, and potentially travel and accommodation costs.
Sheridan School of Saddlery | Paul Van Dyke Saddlery & Stock Horses
In Wyoming, the Sheridan School of Saddlery, a branch of Paul Van Dyke Saddlery & Stock Horses, offers a 2-week intensive course tailored for those with basic leatherwork skills.
This course focuses on key saddle-making techniques, including tool usage, shop setup, and tree fitting, under the expert guidance of Paul Van Dyke. Emphasizing hands-on learning in saddle making's rich tradition, the school covers material costs in its tuition but requires students to arrange their own lodging.
Pros
Targeted Curriculum: Designed for individuals with some knowledge of leatherwork, it's ideal for those looking to enhance their skills in saddle making.
Comprehensive Training: The course covers a wide range of topics, from basic saddle building to tree fit and ordering, providing a thorough understanding of the craft.
Hands-On Approach: The school is known for its immersive teaching style, allowing students to learn through direct experience.
Experienced Instructor: Paul Van Dyke's expertise, honed through traditional apprenticeship, offers students deep insights into the trade.
Rich Tradition: Located in Sheridan, Wyoming, the school is in a region with a strong heritage in saddle making, offering a unique cultural learning experience.
Supply Accessibility: The school's location in a hub of saddle making means easy access to all necessary supplies for setting up a shop.
Cons
Limited to Intermediate Learners: The course is not suitable for beginners, limiting its accessibility to those with prior leatherwork experience.
Short Course Duration: The 2-week duration might not be sufficient for some students to master all aspects of saddle making.
Lodging Costs: Students are responsible for their lodging, which could add to the overall cost of attending the course.
Famous and Well Respected Saddle Makers
Saddle makers, or Saddlers, are experts in making horse saddles and are skilled in leatherwork, silversmithing, and engraving. These are a few well respected saddle makers:
Ken Tipton
Ken Tipton, a celebrated saddle maker with over five decades of experience, is in such high demand that orders for his custom saddles have a five-year waitlist. His passion for leatherwork, which began in his youth, was honed at the prestigious J.M. Capriola company in Elko, Nevada.
Influenced by mentors like Chip Drusch, Ken has continuously evolved his skills through hands-on practice and self-teaching, always seeking to learn and improve. He opened his first shop, Nevada Saddlery, in 1973, which later became Tip's Western Wear and Custom Saddles in Winnemucca, 1979.
Along with silver engraving, Ken, with his wife Kathi, runs Tips Western, valuing continuous learning and observation. Today, a Tips custom saddle is a coveted item with a four to five-year waiting period, a testament to Ken's enduring skill and passion for saddle making.
G.S. Garcia of Elko
At the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, a unique saddle crafted by G.S. Garcia of Elko clinched two gold medals, a feat unmatched by any other saddle. Garcia, originally from Sonora, Mexico, learned saddle making and engraving from master Arana in California before opening his shop in Santa Margarita. He later moved to Elko in 1896, where he gained fame for his exquisite gear, attracting clientele like Will Rogers and Douglas Fairbanks.
His World’s Fair saddle, adorned with black leather, American Beauty roses, gold, silver, diamonds, and $20 gold pieces featuring President Theodore Roosevelt, was more than functional—it was a stunning work of art.
Garcia, who also initiated the Elko Rodeo in 1913, continued his craft even after buying a ranch. After his death in 1933 in Salinas, California, his legacy was carried on by his sons until WWII.
Today, G.S. Garcia's name remains synonymous with quality in saddles, bits, spurs, and bridles. His double-gold-medal-winning saddle and other creations are displayed at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City.
Ed Bohlin
The Bohlin brand, famous for its association with Western stars, has been a staple since the 1940s, known for its belt buckles and jewelry. Maintaining its original designs and traditions, the company also innovates with new products.
Founder Ed Bohlin, a Swedish immigrant, arrived in America in 1910 and eventually settled in the West, dabbling in various jobs before opening a leather shop in 1920. Gaining fame in Hollywood from 1922, he crafted unique pieces for movie stars and films like "The Ten Commandments" (1923) and "Ben-Hur" (1925). By 1926, Edward H. Bohlin Inc. was established, becoming synonymous with Western-style accessories.
Despite the Great Depression, the company thrived, diversifying in the 1960s into bronze sculptures and elegant saddles and buckles. Ownership changed several times, with Dave Marold acquiring it in 2000 and relocating to Dallas, Texas, while preserving its Hollywood identity.
Currently, Bohlin Company, with a strong online presence and Dallas showroom, is recognized as a distinguished American brand, offering high-quality products. As it nears its centenary in 2020, the brand continues to represent the West, embodying founder Ed Bohlin's commitment to high-class merchandise.
Wilford Lewis
In 2002, a discovery in Brownwood, Texas, initiated a quest to trace the evolution from traditional cowboy saddles to modern performance saddles. This led to Wilford Lewis, a 77-year-old third-generation leatherworker in Early, Texas. Wilford, skilled in crafting miniature saddles, had a journey spanning from his childhood during the Depression to becoming a master saddler.
Wilford's career, beginning with boot repair in 1941 and transitioning to saddle making by 1951, encapsulates the post-WWII saddle industry's evolution. At Amonett Saddlery, he mastered the craft, contributing significantly to innovations like the Blevins buckles. Joining Ryon’s Saddle and Ranch Supply in 1963, Wilford merged his experience with fresh talent, creating top-selling saddles and evolving designs for specialized western saddles.
By 1973, as Ryon’s foreman, he guided prominent saddlers like Joey Jemison and, after Windy Ryon’s passing, collaborated with Bill Price, gaining fame for his unique creations. Despite challenges like arthritis, Wilford’s innovations, like incorporating fiberglass in saddles, marked him as a legend in the field.
Wilford Lewis, who passed away on January 16, 2007, left a lasting legacy in saddle craftsmanship, embodying the enduring spirit of a true master in the art of saddlery. His life and work continue to inspire, symbolizing the relentless dedication of a maestro in saddle making.
Bob Klenda
Bob Klenda embarked on his leatherworking journey in 1959, completing his first saddle in 1961 after learning from notable saddle makers like Kermit Lyons, Duane Soderquist, and Bud Grant. In 1962, he opened his own shop, Klenda’s Custom Saddlery, in Fruita, Colorado, later relocating to Meeker in 2007 for its rich history and inspiring landscape.
Located in Northwest Colorado, an area known for its cattle and deer hunting heritage, Klenda's shop has produced nearly 500 high-quality saddles, chaps, and accessories. Bob’s craftsmanship has been showcased in exhibitions across Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and Nevada since 1991.
He is recognized by the Colorado Council on the Arts as a master saddle maker and has contributed to promoting saddle making as an art. One of his notable creations was a special saddle for the 2006 Denver National Western’s 100th Anniversary, auctioned for $19,500.00 for charity.
Breyer Horse Saddle Making
A great way to practice saddle making on a small scale is with Breyer horses. These miniature horses come with saddle making patterns and take a lot less materials than full sized saddles. You'll get some practice using leatherwork tools and can try some ideas. Plus, if they're good quality, you can sell them on Etsy or Ebay for a couple hundred dollars!
- Breyer Horse Saddle Pads Pattern
- This is a document to create felted model horse saddle pads. There are 5 different patterns and full instructions.
- Breyer Horse Saddle Pattern
- This is a pattern with full illustrated instructions to make a model horse cross country saddle. It is designed for the doll to be able to have her stirrups short and ride in the forward position like a real cross country rider.
Helpful Links
https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/45347-saddle-patterns/
https://www.fineleatherworking.com/
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.