Naturally I had a few questions as to why a half breed saddle would suit me better. However, after a test ride in one of Scott’s saddles, I was an instant convert. It just felt right straight away. I still admire English style saddles but if I was to continue riding Star, feel safe and keep my confidence on her a half breed saddle was going to play a part in the equation.
Here are some of the questions I had for Scott:
Being in the business since you left school, what is it about saddle making that attracted you in the beginning?
Dad started as an apprentice at Myer Melbourne in the city. On school holidays mum would take us in to the city on the train. We would go to the pictures and then off to see dad at work. Back then the saddlery department covered a ¼ of the ground floor, with four full time saddle makers and two retail sales people. When Dad first left his job at Myer he used to work from home in his garage. It was great to pick up scrap leather and make things after school.
What are the different steps in the saddle making process?
Start with the saddle tree, which is the frame work for the saddle
The ground seat is added, this sets the shape and comfort of the saddle seat.
Cover the knee pads
Cover the cantle
Place side skirts on, fit for final position and shape
Rough Pattern, cut out the seat, wet and mould the seat on the tree. Trim and set for final finished shape while drying
Cut out and finish fenders
Take off skirts and sew on lining - either leather, felt or sheepskin
When the seat is set and dry, take off seat and sew on suede seat insert
Wet block and sew on cantle binder
Put skirt back on for final time
Put fenders on then wet and block for shape and twist for stirrup setting
Finish all final hardware ie. Saddle dee’s, spur straps
Final assembly, lace on cinch strap
Polish, then go for a ride!!!
Personally I was very impressed with the quality of your workmanship, how many hours you would spend making a saddle?
Depending on saddle style and finish, a standard saddle can take 50-70 hours.
I noticed your work shop contained very few modern materials can you explain the pros and cons of using wooden or fiberglass trees for your saddle foundation?
Timber moves and flexes with the weather. All screws and saddle tack grab or hold tighter to timber. A timber tree also allows you to custom build to a shape. In contrast Fiberglass trees are made from a mould and you are locked into a set shape and style.
English V’s Western saddles: what are the main differences?
Size and weight is the main difference. English saddles are usually made to be ridden in for short periods of time so the overall comfort for both horse and rider is not there. If you want an all day ride the fender saddle has a deeper seat, and less leather under your leg. In saying that I mean no seat flap, no top flap or stirrup leather that, when on the stirrup bar adds three thicknesses of leathe,r plus flap and sweat flap adds up to five thicknesses of leather plus girth points is six layers of leather. In contrast a fender saddle has two layers of leather between the horse and riders leg. The fender saddle is heavier than an English style saddle but has a greater surface area on the horse’s back which distributes the weight over a much larger area. Have you noticed there are lots of add on saddle products available such as gel pads, cantle risers and pommel risers? You will notice these products are all for English type saddles. They are not made for fender saddles. Doesn’t that tell you something about how well a lot of English style saddles fit the horse?
What is the most interesting or left of field saddlery request you have received from one of your clients?
I was once asked to make a Boxing championship or title belt. It was presented on the Nine Wide World of Spot program. It was a few years ago now, and I can’t remember who won the fight, it was before Jeff Fenech and Lester Ellis’s time.
Scott is a true old fashioned saddle making craftsman we are fortunate to be able to publish some of his thoughts, he answered these questions for us over the last six months. I now fully understand why I am more confident riding in the half breed saddle and why it just felt right from the word go.
Maynes Saddlery Ph (03) 5776 4209
- By Di McLarty