Looking for authentic saddle, horse tack info...

[Myron Swaim]

Howdy,
I posted this over in the Leather shop and received no responses, so I thought I would try you guys. I have three horses out back and I own a couple of good but modern saddles. The price of a good period correct half seat is well beyond what I am able to spend. So I am going to try to make my own. I ordered a tree for a slick fork saddle and I have the leather, but what I am interested in are authentic photos or referneces to books with good photos in them etc... or if anyone knows of a pattern that is available. Any type of patterns for authentic period correct horse tack, rifle scabbards, etc...I would also be interested in hope saddle photos/pattern. If anyone could direct me to where such a thing could be found I would be eternally in your debt.
Thanks Pards,
Myron Swaim

[James Hunt]

One of your best sources on this board will be Ottawa Creek Bill who will eventually read this post and respond with some helpfull information with regard to building a saddle. He has built period saddles and most recently is helping me with a saddle I am having built. However, until then I'll throw in my 2 cents to give you a little encouragement.

The one book that I found help give me an overall understanding of the saddle is a rather classic work called "Saddles" by Russel Beatie. It ain't cheap but go on Amazon and get a used one. That is what I did and got one that looks new to me for about half price. It descusses the history and development of the saddle, the spanish/american saddles of 1800 - 1849, 1850 - 1869, 1870 - 1899, 1900 - 1919, and 1920 - modern saddles, and other interesting things. It is worth the money if you are wondering. Another book that has some nice images of a variety of period saddles is "Cowboy's & The Trappings of the Old West". A great coffee table book, it's images of saddles from the 1860 - 1920 period are really inspiring. This is also a common item on Amazon.

Good luck - Ride 'em like ya stole 'em!

[44caliberkid]

Sent you a PM.

[O.T. Buchannan]

I've got four period saddles, but as far as building them goes, James Hunt gave you the best advice, and that is to have Ottawa Creek Bill guide you.  I will also second what James Hunt said about the books. 

If you don't mind, keep us posted on how your work with the saddle goes.

THANKS!

[Myron Swaim]

Thanks guys,
I will be looking for those books, I have been in touch with Ottowa Creek Bill and I am hoping he will send a couple of photos. As summer takes hold I will most likely not have as much time to work on a saddle as I would like. We have 70 acres here, and cut and bale our own hay, and maintain all of the vintage machinery used to do all of that. The first cut is just around the corner! Oh and I also like to get to one or two shoots a month if at all possible. 
Thanks for the info.
Myron

[Trap]

 
Another good tack book is Man Made Mobile,   jt

[Myron Swaim]

I just received some photos from Ottowa Creek Bill. What Beautiful craftsmanship!
I truly appreciate everyones help here , and I will keep you up to date on how the project goes.
Many Thanks!
Myron

[Dirty Dan Dawkins]

www.rodkiblersaddlery.com

[O.T. Buchannan]

Dirty Dan, I just looked at the site you posted, and it looks like this guy makes MODERN saddles.......

[Dirty Dan Dawkins]

Oh sorry, I should have been more detailed, I had heard him in discussion wityh a fella at Mule Camp about vintage style saddles. Sounded like he knew something. Maybe you could pick his brain .

[John William McCandles]

Howdy Pard;
You may get in contact with Garry McCkintock at www.mcclintocksaddles.com
He built my 1880's trail saddle with half open seat and Sam Stagg rigging about 12 years ago.
He has a picture of it on his web site. He can tell you more about building saddles than most people.
JW

[Pawnee Bill]

A couple more good books
The Cheyenne Saddle
They saddled the West
Cheers
Pawnee Bill