Where to Find Used Western Saddles
January 14, 2008 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Hall of Fame, Saddle Buying
I’m a huge fan of buying saddles used. I’d rather ride a high quality, used saddle than a shiny, new, low quality saddle any day. Since a high quality saddle doesn’t come cheap, often the only way they fit into the budget is to buy them "previously owned." Below is a list of some of [...]
Saddle Brand & Quality: What’s the Connection?
December 9, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Hall of Fame, Saddle Buying
The question we’re asked the most by our readers is some version of "Is {fill in the name of a saddle brand} a good brand?" or "What’s the best brand for a {fill in a riding activity} saddle?" We so wish that we had a nice simple answer, but saddle quality and suitability is much [...]
Well Used Saddles
October 20, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics
I’m a big believer in taking good care of your saddles. Clean them regularly and fully condition them once to three times a year depending on use. Keep them covered and stored out of direct sunlight on a saddle rack. That’s all a given with me. But… I love the look of a well worn [...]
Custom Tooling Patterns
October 11, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics
If you’re looking to buy a custom saddle, one of the choices you’ll get to make is the tooling design you’d like. In a previous post, we discussed the different tooling coverage patterns. Now it’s time to discuss the patterns themselves. Most custom saddle makers have a collection of tooling patterns in their repetoire for [...]
19th Century Miliatry Saddles
September 25, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Resources, Saddle Types
Border State’s Leather in Arkansas is a very special type of saddle shop. Owner Doug Kidd produces replicas of 19th century military saddles and also some Revolutionary War and WWI saddles. Kidd’s saddles are considered to be the most historically accurate and authentic saddles available. He uses authentic hand tools and machinery of the period [...]
What’s It Worth?
September 20, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Resources
"Western Horseman" magazine has a fascinating feature in every issue called "What’s it Worth?" where experts weigh in on the value of subscribers’ western relics, mainly saddles. In addition to getting opinions on particular pieces, you’ll also get some great general information on what makes a vintage saddle valuable. Western Horseman is always looking for [...]
Saddle Maker George Holt In The News
August 30, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics
A few weeks ago I wrote about Dillon, Montana saddle maker, George Holt winning the 2007 Saddlemaker of the Year Award from the Academy of Western Artists. The Montana Standard just ran a great article (by Maryanne Davis Silve) about George, his craft, and his award. Well worth checking out. Tall in the Saddle
George Holt – 2007 Saddlemaker of the Year
August 3, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Hall of Fame, Happenings, Resources
Oh, we are busting our buttons here in Dillon, Montana! Our very own resident master saddlemaker, George Holt, has been awarded the Academy of Western Artists’ prestigious Saddlemaker of the Year award for 2007. Past winners of this award have included a who’s who of the top western saddlemakers – Don King, Steve Mecum, Don [...]
