So, you want a custom, hand crafted, bench made western saddle, tailor made to your unique specifications, using only the best quality materials, and, demanding the highest quality craftsmanship possible?
Yes, it is very possible to achieve this outcome, and furthermore, you've come to the right place to get it done.
All it takes is for you to tell us the purposes for which you are going to use your western saddle, the types of horses or mules you ride, your tree style preference, your stamping, carving, silver and accessory requirements - We will do all the rest, with the best material available, and, to the highest possible craftsmanship standards, so as to ensure, a comfortable fit for you and your horses or mules, while also ensuring, you look and feel good every moment you are in your saddle.
To discuss your custom western saddle requirements, please stop by the shop, call (661 619-4545), or, email Jack D. Smith.
When we talk about your order for a custom, hand crafted, bench made western saddle, please be prepared to discuss the following elements...
Personal Information
Contact Numbers
Includes physical address, home phone, cell phone, email address - Purpose is to be able to communicate regarding follow-up questions and provide status / progress reports via mail, text message and email messages.
Size Measurements
Will need your height, weight and inseam length - This information will be helpful in determining your custom made saddle's seat length and shape, cantle height and width, fender and stirrup leather lengths.
Horse or Mule Conformation
The conformation of the horses or mules you ride will have a direct bearing on several decisions you make regarding your custom western saddle - Particularly important conformation considerations include back, withers, loin muscles, shoulders (width and, to some extent, slope), heartgirth (depth, rib expansion and underline) - Phrases oftentimes used to generally describe this collection of conformation points include Semi Quarter Horse, Full Quarter Horse, Mutton Withered Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, ...
Saddle Tree
Tree Name
This refers to the style of the saddle tree's fork - Slick fork, or A-Fork, examples include Wade, Weatherly, 3B, ... Swell fork examples include Modified Association, Buster Welch, Will James, Bowman, ... This decision is influenced by personal preference and, to some extent, your intended use - Other important decisions related to the fork include fork width, gullet height and width.
Bar Name
This refers to the style of the saddle tree's bars - Examples of bar styles include Arizona and Northwest - The key aspects on which points of differentiation need to be made include stirrup slot, rocker, angle, twist from burr to fan, ... These decisions are influenced primarily by the conformation of the backs of the types of horses or mules you ride - Additionally, oftentimes, the terms Semi Quarter Horse, Full Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred are used to describe bar name or style.
Cantle
There are several styles of cantles including round, oval, comfort, shovel, ... The key measurements include height, width and dish depth.
Horn
There are several styles of horns including #4 Dally, Wood Post, ... The key measurements include cap width and stem height.
Seat Length
The saddle tree's seat length decision will, primarily, be determined by your size - The saddle's finished seat length will be approximately 1/2" shorter than the tree's seat length.
Saddle Construction
Skirts
Skirt styles include square, semi-square, old style round, round, ...
Rigging
Rigging styles include D ring, flat plate, in-skirt - Material types include stainless steel or brass - Standard placement alternatives include full double, 15/16, 7/8, 3/4, 5/8, double, single, ...
Back Rigging
Back rigging styles include "D" ring, leather slot - Both of which will require a size decision.
Seat Type and Shape
The three basic types of finished seats from which to choose are hard, padded or inlaid - The seat can also be a looped seat if you choose - The actual shaping of the rise, stop, and transitions from flat to twist to rise is an interactive process.
Back Jockey
Decisions you will need to make regarding the back jockies include one piece versus two, braided, frog connector and crupper.
Fork Covering
The three basic types of fork coverings are hooded, scalloped under and rawhide hood.
Cantle Binding
Cantle binding choices are either straight bead binding or cheyenne roll - And, can be finished with either skirting leather or rawhide.
Horn Covering
Horns can be finished with either skirting leather or rawhide - Custom made sterling silver horn caps can also be made to your specifications.
Rope Strap
Rope straps can be of the regular type (split or with buckle), or, Oregon crossover - Buckles can be of brass or stainless steel.
Fenders
The three basic types of fenders are regular, narrow and old timer - Length will also be and important decision.
Stirrup Leathers
Stirrup leathers can be full double, California half or old timer - Width can be either 2 1/2" or 3" - Length will also be an important decision - Other decisions include # of holes, Blevins buckle or laced, and, twist & wrap or not.
Stirrups
Stirrup decisions include width, tread, bell, Visalia, Monel, oxbow, leather or rawhide covering.
Tooling
Possible tooling alternatives include geometric or basket stamp, floral carving and combinations.
Accessories
Breast Collar
Breast Collar styles include ...
Bucking Rolls
For slick fork saddles...
Custom Silver
Custom silver accessories include horn cap, back cantle plate, conchos, ....
Other Accessories
Other custom western saddle accessories include breeching (britchen), saddle bags, cantle bag, ...
Terms
Half down with order and balance due when saddle is completed.