SADDLE DEFINITIONS

CUSTOM SADDLE


A custom saddle is a saddle that is made to the customer's specifications to include tooling/carving and other forms
of decoration completely by hand using no machinery with the exception of handtools and sewing machine/stitcher.
NOTE: It is generally the trade practice for an individual saddle maker to make the saddle from start to finish,
but occasionally a collaborative effort between one or more saddle makers and or leather artisan (leather carver)
 is also an acceptable trade practice.


HANDMADE PRODUCTION SADDLE


A handmade production saddle is a saddle that has been constructed for the general riding public to purchase" off the rack"
and may include any combination of tooling, stamping, or other forms of decoration. The saddle may be constructed by an
 individual saddle maker and several leather craftsman by hand using no machinery with the exception of hand tools and
a sewing machine/stitcher.


SEMI CUSTOM SADDLE


A semi-custom saddle is a production { manufactured} saddle in which the customer has the ability to make minor
changes to the existing design and /or decoration. The saddle may be constructed by an individual saddle maker or
several leather craftsman using any combination of hand and machine techniques.

PROUDUCTION{MANUFACTURED}SADDLE

A production {manufactured} saddle is a saddle constructed for the general riding public to purchase "off the floor"
allowing no input from the customer as to design or decoration. The saddle may be constructed by an individual saddle
maker or several leather craftsman using any combination of hand and machine techniques.
NOTE:  While some saddle makers make there own trees and silver trim, it is the general trade practice
to have those items made by an outside source, which may or may not be located in the same facility.

CUSTOM SADDLE PRICING

The time involved to build a custom saddle varies between 40 and 60 hours and perhaps even longer depend on details such as
one off tooling/carving designs, unusual style designs where one off patterns must be made for all of the leather components.

Using the average build time of 50 hours as an estimate. The build cost , at 57.00 per hour would be $ 2850.00.
This includes, fitting the horse and rider, misc. supplies such as fasteners, glue and thread. Time in the design stage of the saddle
and working with the customer to determining the type of riding discipline the saddle will be used for.
Once the construction of the saddle is complete it is then oiled, balmed and sealer to preserve the leather.
NOTE: A custom saddle is NEVER hard sealed using  clear lacquer top coats.

Leather and Hardware: We only use either Herman Oak or Wickett and Craig saddle skirting  depending on final color and durability,
in some cases English leather will be used  if knee rolls, flock panels or a grain padded seat will be part of the design.
Also you have a choice of hardware either stainless steel, bronze/brass.
NOTE: Concho's, custom sliver or any other decoration is priced by a case by case basis.
The average cost for everything need to build the saddle minus the saddle tree is $ 950.00.
The cost of saddle trees vary between 275.00 to 450.00 depending on style. We use only two
saddle tree builders, Steele Saddle Tree and Timberline.

PAYMENTS: Once the price has been sent, A 60 percent deposit is required to start. also there
 may be progress payments required depending on the length of the build.
The balance due will be required upon completion.