Saddle Maker FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about western saddles direct from the saddle makers themselves. Make sure you also check out the Saddle Maker Articles.

Dusty Johnson
Dusty Johnson has been a leatherworker and saddlemaker for more than 50 years.  He operates the Pleasant Valley Saddle Shop and School in Loveland, Colorado.  He is also the President of Pleasant Valley, Inc and Saddleman Press.  Saddleman Press currently publishes books and videos of saddlemaking instruction, holster making instruction and details of how to make chaps. Contact Dusty at:  Pleasant Valley Saddle Shop, 1220 So. County Road 21, Loveland, CO, 80537, USA.  Telephone (970)669-1588 or email to DustyJohn@aol.com. We are very pleased to have Dusty answers some FAQs.

Q: What's the best way to clean and condition rough out leather?

DJ: This is very difficult as rough out collects too much dirt in the pores of the leather.  A big problem is oil.  Leather should never be oiled on the flesh side (rough out), only on the grain side.  The flesh absorbs too much oil and makes the internal structure of leather weak.  The only way to clean it is to scrub it with a stiff brush using Ivory bar soap and distilled water.  Oil from the "back" side after it is dry.

Q: Is there a way to tell what kind of bars a saddle has by looking at it?

DJ: NO! Sorry, but unless the bars can be seen and the gullet measured it would only be a guess.  Seeing and measuring would require the skirts being pulled off.

Q: Why are stirrups on most production saddles not turned? What's the difference in construction between saddles built with turned stirrups and those that aren't?

DJ: When new this is up to the saddlemaker.  If properly twisted the stirrup leathers will take much strain off the knees and ankles.  The old method of dampening and leaving dry with a broom handle inserted works but a better method is to have a saddler reset the buckles and do a proper "twist-n-wrap."

Q: Why do some riders use a second latigo rather than an off billet?

DJ: Personal preference only.  I would never use an off latigo because it requires the knot which is more bulky under my knees and legs.  I always prefer a buckle for fastening.