Saddle Making

[@rohanraj4168]

The horse that wears this saddle is one gifted animal ... I really appreciate the time and the hard work this person has put into making this wonderful authentic saddle ... Great job sir ...

[@charlestehuia9263]

As a cowboy and owner of several saddles I must say your workmanship and your attention to detail is awesome,.. beautifully crafted sir.

[@shaylynneswanberg5101]

Riding for 14 years I've always wondered how these beautiful tools were made!! Now I know! Super well done and I hope you continue and pass on your knowledge.

[@dukeofpurl]

Wonderful craftsmanship! Knew Chuck Stormes and Matt Eberle - also gifted craftsmen. Now I'm acquainted with a third one! Bravo!!👍

[@carenmiller-lazarz229]

As a member of Back Country Horsemen of America, Utah, I am privileged to know several saddle makers. You gents are a gifted bunch, to say the least. I ride a couple custom Western saddles but didn't have the privilege to watch them being crafted. This saddle, sir, is a beauty! Greetings from Utah.

[@chadhawley5794]

Greatest saddle build I’ve seen to date .. definitely my dream saddle one day Ill have one !!! Thanks for sharing

[@charlescastillo8870]

I've seen bootmakers, auto upholstery and furniture done in leather but never have I seen what goes into saddle making, much respect to this master Craftsman.

[@timpmcmahon2340]

👍Enjoyed your video! I had a spinal cord injury while working up in the Rockies, near Durango, CO, back in the 1970s. Unable to move my legs, while I was in the hospital in Englewood, CO (Denver area), I started tooling leather during the months that I was laid up. It was then, that I decided to make saddles. Due to the paralysis from the chest down, it was doubtful that I'd ever regain the use of my legs, however I "walked" out of the hospital on crutches, wearing a metal backbrace. In time, I could get around, with just a walking stick. I could also ride all day, once I pulled myself up into the saddle. A leather bench was set up for me in the tackroom, that was located in the barn. I began doing tack repair, working on the pack outfit's dozens of riding saddles, the pack saddles for the mules and the pack equipment, using an old Landis Machine to stitch the heavy leather. I later attended school at OSU Okmulgee, OK, where I learned Western Boot Making and Saddlemaking while there. I still have the 1st saddle that I made, back in the 1970s, on a A-fork, shovel-cantle tree, from Standard Saddle Tree Company, out of Vernal, UT. I put many a mile on that saddle, when I was a packer / Licensed Guide + Outfitter in the 780 square mile Weminuche Wilderness Wilderness area, located in the San Juan Mountians in the Colorado Rockies. After graduation, from OSU and returning to Colorado, I worked as a saddlemaker at Colorado Saddlery, up in the original saddle shop on the 2nd floor of the building at the corner of 15th and Wynkoop in Denver. When Bona Allen saddles were being made in Olney Illinois, I was a saddlemaker there, till they closed down, 20 some years ago. After the old Landis Stitcher, I later bought a Champion "hook + awl" stitching machine with the 10'' throat. I traded the Champion stitching Machine off, in the 1990s, when I bought bought my 9710 model Singer straight-needle harness Stitching machine. Colorado Saddlery had the Campbell-Randal, (hook +awl) stitching machines when I was a saddlemaker there. bona Allen in Olney ,IL had Durkopp Adler Stitching Machines, with "triple feed'. I'v collected a lot of "vintage" saddlemaking tools, since the 1970s, Gomph, McMillen, Hackbarth, CS Osborne, a vintage German made headknife. some vintage Shefield Steel punches ...

[@mdlipps]

It's always a treat to watch a Master Craftsman at work. I've always been curious about how saddles are made. This one was crafted to perfection.

[@LukeA1223]

I’ve been working leather for 58 years... you do great work! I can watch this video dozens of times and never get tired of it! Thanks for posting.

[@cactusrose55]

Amazing to watch. Thank you for sharing.......without having music in the video ! It was so much nicer hearing the sounds of construction and hearing the squeaking leather. It was like being there looking over your shoulder.

[@williamhenderson9535]

Agree. Very good point. I enjoyed the sounds of the leather. Wow, what a wonderful saddle.

[@babajancenter-pb8oo]

i agree with you no music much better

[@soldtobediers]

Rare are the channels which adhere to it... Primitive Technology, Mr. Chickadee, & Loscar Motorcycles. 102618

[@terryallen3550]

That wasn't the leather squeaking, it was Agars muscles creaking. :-)

[@williamduncan1293]

Good for you Jane.

[@TGxANAHEiiMx]

I don't know anything about saddle making. I don't even know that much about leatherwork in general. However, you don't need know about any of it to know you're watching a true craftsman. Very well done!

[@МанапТокоев]

0

[@vredleveske9436]

0x

[@KevinThePorter]

Thank you. Watching this video was an inspiration, an education, and a pleasure. You, sir, are a craftsman, and an artist. As a beginning leather worker I learned so much in this 45 minutes, from the use of water to soften and form, to the proper application of dye, to the proper uses of gluing and stitching, to the techniques of skiving, cutting, and punching, and the list goes on. And you taught all of this without saying a word. That reminds me what an expert can teach through their actions. Thank you again, I expect I will revisit this video more than a few times.

[@agarfrance9272]

Well thank you very much I appreciate it.

[@ChrisLascari]

Makes me want to buy a horse

[@LadyIIV]

@@ChrisLascari cheapest part of having a horse is buying it!

[@biddydibdab9180]

I’ll never complain about the cost of a saddle again. There will always be a demand for craftsmen and my Dad was one. This brought back memories of watching him do leatherwork. Thanks for sharing your amazing process!

[@Isnogud67]

You, Sir, are an amazing artist. This craftsmanship is out of this world. I’m in awe. Thank you for sharing this with us. God bless you and your family 🙏❤️🐎🔨

[@maryfrederickson2526]

As a conservator I have enjoyed watching this so very much. Thank you sir!

[@rodolforodriguez1302]

Since I was a kid I always loved horses. I never loose the hope that one day I will have a house with land to be able to have couple of them. Thank you for this video and thank you for sharing your art. God blessed you and your family.

[@عبداللهالسروي-ل6د]

Wow, about an hour of mesmerizing craftsmanship, not even a word and no music. Thanks man.

[@smasica]

I always liked that style of saddle. The high cantle instead of a Cheyenne roll and the high pommel without swells looks like the classic working saddles. Fantastic workmanship.

[@rebelbelle62]

To watch these craftsman do what they do is amazing. They are artists , and it's a joy to watch them create. Everytime I sit in a saddle, I think about what went into it's design. It has become like a friend, if that makes sense.

[@donmotz5528]

Man it is sure a pleasure watching a true craftsman working his magic....that is one beautiful saddle sir.. and it is worth every penny you charge (whatever it is....lol)....I hope you pass on ur knowledge....it is a trade that should never die out....Keep up the great work.....it is trluy a work of art....thanx again.

[@agarfrance9272]

Thanks Don

[@fredgrove4220]

According to the on line advert, a Western saddle starts at 380 dollars, and the sky is the limit. Depends what you want and what you are willing to pay.

[@TheMonkdad]

I don’t even ride and I want one. When will smellivision arrive? I think the smell is almost as good as the appearance

[@الخيلالعربي-ك6ط]

احسن سرج على الايد

[@billarends2244]

fred grove I am a retired horse trainer and have one special horse left and two saddles. The saddles are made by such an artist to my design and specs. Saddle one was made by Adrian Hester(deceased) of McAlester, Oklahoma. I would be mildly tempted to sell at $10,000. Saddle two was crafted by the artisans at Allen Ranch Saddlery of Bixby, Oklahoma. I would maybe consider $15,000. In truth how can you price true art and this video shows its creation. Awesome!!!!

[@samtaylor1010]

Had horses forever. Never thought about how much hard work and talent goes into a saddle like this. Thanks really soothing and a true inspiration to watch.

[@kevincannon3773]

You can see that he takes pride in his workmanship. A true master in saddle making.

[@codfishknives8526]

No wonder saddles cost so much. Wow. The amount of labor that goes into making one is incredible. A pleasure to watch.

[@jaspernewcomb5656]

That's just incredible an outstanding example of extraordinary craftsmanship! You're a highly talented man and Thank You for showing how it's done!

[@williamjenkinsiii70]

Absolutely beautiful ! No music not one word spoken ! A true craftsman and artist again Absolutely beautiful !

[@philipwilliams8592]

I really enjoy watching someone who is simply a professional with their craftwork. It is fascinating to see how this all comes together, but the leatherwork is simply beautiful.

[@robertqueberg4612]

This brings back my childhood. Going to a small harness shop with Dad was a real treat. The smells of leather, dyes, neatsfoot oil were great. That magical creak of leather. This saddle is the first that I have watched most of the steps. Artistic talent and strong steady hands. Thank you for the great show.

[@alexmontgomery255]

I always enjoy a real craftsman work his magic, transforming a piece of leather into a work of art. Truly outstanding.

[@maryannrurup353]

Those hands are making such beautiful saddle and wonderful memories for the people you make them for, thank you for letting me watch.

[@mikemmikem2758]

I consider this gentleman in the same category of as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, or Rodin. Magnificent.

[@Joe1935429]

What is really so beautiful is the technical skills that produce this incredibly beautiful saddle combined with the hard work craftsmanship, the soft whisper of shaving leather to the pounding of the hammer on rivets. Beauty, practicality, lifetimes of use, pride in the craft; It' all here. Thanks!

[@maraboston3092]

As a barrel racer this is so amazing to watch and makes me appreciate my saddle even more

[@frankyantosca5012]

I have been working in leather since i was 16 but I never had the opportunity to watch someone make a saddle. When the video starts out it looks like its your first saddle. Everything is rough and uneven. Glue a patch here, nail a patch there. But as the video advances the piece becomes more and more polished until there is a master saddle craftsman putting the finishing touches to his marvelous creation. No single instruction video has every inspired me to explore new avenues into my craft and I want to thank you for your contribution. Sincerely...Frank Yantosca

[@wesnarutowatch6375]

Mind blowing!!! I've ridden many horses in my life, and I've always wondered how they were made. Thank you for sharing this!

[@رضااسدی-ت4و]

I 've never seen so far like this. Waooo , I was really surprised. A big man with alot of sensedive who when busy to his work. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you alot. Thank you, Thank you and Thank you alot.

[@lkmayhew9390]

I’ve never seen a saddle made before. What a beautiful job. Thank you so much for sharing your craft. You are a true artisan!

[@celettakatski924]

Looks so much like my grandmother's saddle that I learned to ride in. Very fond memories. Thanks so much for sharing. Her saddle was made in the late 1800's in Missouri.

[@Mort-4720]

this brings back so many memories. . watching and "helping" dad when he worked with leather .. i could almost smell the leather

[@judithfairchild8620]

Thank-you i had no real idea what went into the making of a saddle. Beautifully done.

[@embroidnurse]

Absolutely astounding skill and patience, what a beautiful saddle 😍

[@kutsbothways]

Truly impressive work. We have a half dozen saddles here and have gone through that many in the decades past. Not only is the finished product here a work of art but it is a treasure to last a lifetime and beyond in the right hands. Thanks for posting.

[@LordRusty5]

Bravo, sir! Well done! I love the sound of a new saddle, and I can almost smell the leather. Beautiful piece of Saddler's Art!

[@gavinbainbridge6512]

I could watch traditional crafts being done by true craftsmen ALL DAY, Saddlers, coopers, farriers, tinsmiths, butchers......any of them.....ALL DAY. Superb skills Sir.

[@Doxymeister]

What a beautiful work of art. Many years ago I found a saddle at an estate auction in Harrah, Oklahoma, rather like this one, a bit worn but it cleaned up very nicely, and was very comfortable. Really love the style on this one, and I can bet that it would ride as comfortably as the one I enjoyed and spent so much time in as a young person. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@billwessels207]

I enjoyed this very much Sir. I purchased an old Randall Union Lockstitch from Chester Koen up in Chattanooga Tenn. And visited with him and his very lovely Wife while I was there and watched him as he was doing a little work and saw some of his his work in the shop. There are not very many of you master craftsmen left. Chester is in his 80's and still working. He explained to me how much he pays for a tree and the leather and approximately the amount of time involved in crafting his beautiful work. He certainly does not make much profit per piece. You are a dying breed. God Bless and Keep you always.

[@millerl333]

What an amazing video! I had no idea how saddles were made so this was an excellent guide to the process. This man is a true artist and I admire his skill!

[@roopsinghkasana2196]

Nice

[@Shusha0029]

Beautiful craftsmanship. Also thank you for not putting music over the video!! The leather and tools were the music. Great Video!!

[@robertind3374]

A functional work of Art by truly, a Master craftsman/ Artist. Please teach, skill like yours should not be allowed to die out.

[@thomas11156]

I don't know anything about horses but I loved watching true artist at work.

[@davida7480]

Outstanding enjoyed every minute of the video, brought back a lot of good memories from the past watching old saddle makers in their harness shop.

[@davidellis4416]

As a Saddlemaker myself, this is a credit to the maker, magnificent workmanship, I love old style Sam Stag rig slick forks👍

[@prypiat27]

Awesome videos, I appreciate the simple editing and the lack of music, it really is such a good way to show your work.

[@efrenferrer1716]

I do not own a horse but I am a fanatic watcher of old western movies and I always asked myself how saddles are made. Now I know. Great video!

[@bettierusso5410]

I had an occasion to visit Virginia Military Institute as a chapter President of the Daughters of Confederacy. I met Col. Gibson who was and still is the museum curator. He gave me a private tour of their storage room of artifacts from the Civil War. One of the most wonderful moments of my life. I noticed two saddles standing on hobby horses. One belonging to Gen. Robert E. Lee, and the other to General Stonewall Jackson. Jackson's saddle was just like this one, only much plainer. Yours is fabulous. Both had been very beaten up and had many bullets grazes. Jackson had a full hole in the seat like this one, but Gen. Lee's was a very big full Western Saddle. You are a very gifted man. Please keep this craft and work of art alive. Thank you for posting.

[@0101-o3w]

I've watched the agar France vids loads of times and I'm still amazed at the natural talent and quality of his work. 👍

[@deborahduthie4519]

I had not realised how much physical strength is required, for the horses comfort and for that of the rider. It is something, for someone, stronger than I. Beautiful Art work on exemplary skilful craft work. Thank-you for showing. Truely fascinating. A saddle with seatbelts. That’s my style.

[@Pjsev]

I watched the whole thing in awe. I have had many saddles and always thought it would be fun to make one...Not even aware of how much goes into making a saddle! Amazing.

[@YahshuamySovereign]

The craftsmanship that will never see the light of day again is impressive in & of itself! The beauty of the finished product is radiant! The fact it is utilitarian in function! All these things bring tears to my eyes. The Father must be proud 🕊💜🕊 Thank you.

[@ЖанЕргалиев-ю2з]

Ахххх...!!! Какой же Вы Молодец...!!! Просто Красавчик...!!! Настоящий народный умелец, настоящий профессионал...!!! Никогда такого не видел... У Вас - Золотые руки...!!! Смотрел ролик и удивляясь наслаждался... Дай Вам Бог здоровья и процветания... Давно мечтал купить такое ковбойское седло... С уважением из Казахстана, Алма-Ата, мы тоже рождённые конники...

[@SephirothWaifu]

That's why I love artists/anyone that creates something to be used or admired versus someone whom goes around destroying anything and call that a HOBBY...-.- I'm an artist myself and I certainly wished I found myself making saddles. My love for horses brings me here as an admire, a rider and an artist! This is certainly a lot of man hours and work here! As an artist there is a lot of pleasure and pride when making something. Very gratifying for those whom don't understand.

[@jamespatton3500]

absolutely amazing. never thought their was so much time and effort that goes into making a saddle

[@elylalin8611]

OMG.....a masterpiece... no words... at the end of this video l almost cry for the beauty of this saddle and the work behind it...

[@georgegooding57]

You, Sir, are a very skilled craftsman. Thank You for sharing your art.

[@2009timothykelly]

I’m a metal fabricator with no leather-working experience but I thoroughly enjoyed watching that video. The patience and calm in every step is a big change from the pressure of a metal-shop! Congrats on developing such a high level of skill.

[@mikeradford5630]

Now that is something to be proud of, true craftsmanship... I watched in silence and enjoyed every sound!

[@denisekirk8571]

Wow!! Gorgeous saddle. It seems like it’s a lost art. What a beautiful job!

[@elvispresley2119]

That is AMAZING craftsmanship ! Hats off to You, Sir ! I watched Your film, like it was the best suspense movie. Greetings from Poland.

[@riaanheydenreich6214]

So beautiful. Nothing more pleasant than watching a true craftsman at work. Horse lover South Africa.

[@mcorder52]

Beautiful saddle! Would love to own something so unique. Excellent work!

[@michelnguyen4819]

Love watching veteran (instead of old) craftman work. They’re and most of the time, very very meticulous people. They paid attention to all of little details of their product, and they are proud of their work, thing that most of young bloods ignore or don’t pay enough attention to. That come with the age and the experiences they get as time goes by. Trouble always was and still is, do they have enough patiences and love to their crafts to become experts later on because only perfectionist can become expert, not everybody. The final product speaks for itself, no need for axagerated appraisal. And thank you for the video.

[@joycewoolley9003]

I enjoyed watching you make this beautiful saddle, amazing to watch, I have always wanted to know how a saddle was made, thank you!

[@lamarwayne5291]

As a cattle farmer I enjoyed watching this video, it's going to motivate me to take care of my saddle more

[@dvillebenny1445]

This man's pattern making skills are amazing!

[@jcamisa50]

i never new that it took that much work to make a saddle. beautiful job.

[@kansascowboy5721]

That was fantastic to watch! What craftsmanship Beautiful saddle 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@marinaabad1532]

I stitched together a couple of Tandy holsters, afterwards my hands were sore from pulling the waxed thread through the holes. This incredible craftsman hand stitched an entire saddle, using the heavy stitching machine only for the thickest part of the leather. I'm in awe of his skill, and absolute hand strength. I enjoyed this display of the saddle makers art very much, and the finished saddle was beautiful, down to the tooling on the swells & skirts. Thanks Mr. Agar.

[@terryhedden8075]

Beauty in leather. My goodness this is excellent work.

[@Barjranch]

The craftsmanship is truly incredible. Thank you for the video!

[@timflanigan8586]

That was absolutely mesmerizing! I couldn't take my eyes off this video. I'd love to be able to do what you do....

[@joeastarita5384]

Short and simple, i enjoyed watching you build that perfect saddle and i sure learned alot too. Thank you.

[@perpetualjon]

This was an indulgent pleasure to watch. Such a beautiful piece of practical art. Bravo!

[@JoMolovinit]

This has to have been the most awe-struck 45 mins I have ever spent watching KZbin. Thank you. Can anyone give an accurate estimate of how long this would have taken, start to finish?

[@ramrodou812]

this was one of the best videos i've seen.

[@lilwildlilbitparis8055]

Bless this man's hands. Ouch my own hands cramped up in arthritis pain, But how talented, patient, gifted, this man is, what a beautiful skill this man has. Not to many ppl. Can appreciate the hand craftsmanship that goes into leather working.

[@CurrentElectrical]

As a beginner, I am in awe. I wish that I could visit your shop to learn, but I am in Canada. I guess I will have to keep watching and learning. Fantastic video.

[@agarfrance9272]

I'm in Canada too

[@CurrentElectrical]

I'm in Ontario, about an hour North of Toronto, just outside of Barrie. Yourself? It's great to see a fellow Canadian on here as well.

[@agarfrance9272]

The Modifier I'm in Quebec about an hour southeast of Montreal in the Eastern Townships.

[@CurrentElectrical]

Only a few hours from here. Well maybe more than a few, lol. Keep the fantastic videos coming. I have learned from watching your technique. I hope to see you do some tutorials when you have a chance. Once again, your videos are the ones I watch from start to finish- repeatedly to see a master craftsman create fantastic works of art. Do you happen to have a website? Maybe an Etsy page? Do you sell patterns for new beginners to learn from? Just a few ideas from watching your videos. Love them, I'm subscribed for future videos.

[@agarfrance9272]

Thanks for your interest. You can look at my page at mulefootharness.blogspot.ca/ or you can see some of my stuff on Instagram @mulefootharness I don't have patterns right now because I'm trying to make everything a one-of-a-kind, so I only make the patterns necessary for my initial cutting then fit everything in leather as the project goes along. It makes for a lot of mistakes but at the moment it's the way I like to work, the engineering is as satisfying as the craft.

[@rickeybenningfield9436]

Very good Saddle, I especially like the "Sam Stag" and High Back. Mine has Both with a 6" high Back. It has given me many years of good service and is the most comfortable saddle that you will find!!

[@ageorge7140]

that is amazing work I like the fact you showed it from start to finish

[@Newkirkjf]

I envy you sir!, I've been tinkering with leathercraft for two years now, and I know I'd never come close to art like that.

[@marianarangelova1687]

John Newkirk and

[@professionalcommenter]

I have seen thousands on YT videos. My favorite are these type. I get the pleasure of seeing first hand how professionals like yourself, create. It's such a joy to see such precision, technique and beautiful craftsmanship.

[@roncrandall]

That is a beautiful work of art. True skill and craftsmanship. Thank you for the video. It was amazing.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

I won't ever look at a saddle the same way again after watching this video. I rode a saddle that was ordered from a Sears catalog in the late forties or early fifties, it was made in Mexico and cost about forty bucks I think it was. It was a pretty nice saddle but this saddle is a real work of art. I can no longer razz some of my buddies that still own horses and ride in competitions on saddles they paid a few thousand dollars for. I realize why they are so expensive now. That is admirable work you have done in this video. I am sure you get a premium for the saddles you make and well you should. Thanks

[@mishmash9116]

Such attention to detail, truly a master of his craft. 👌🏻👍🏻

[@edblackmaneven362]

Wish I could have been there when the customer picked it up. A true craftsman and artist.

[@aztib]

I have be enjoying this from beginning to end

[@robertcolfack26]

That is the most beautiful saddles I have ever seen you sir are an artist in detail in leather what an amazing job would love to see more of your skills in saddles, bridles, or anything else thank you for sharing.....

[@valerijbereschnow1604]

Гениальное произведение искусства ручной работы мастер своего ремесла. 👍👍👍

[@chriscohlmeyer4735]

Thanks for the awesome video, so many styles of saddles each with their subtle construction techniques. You made "simple" the one part that always frustrated me, turning the leather over on the back of the seat - maybe I will get back at my saddle number 4 that has sat for some 35 years as life, career and kids intervened.

[@supersnoopy6666]

WOW!!! I must say beautiful craftsmanship omg soo beautiful.

[@deborahratcliff8179]

WOW. Great watching all the steps and leather skills. Thanks for showing all the work.

[@nsereno4833]

Beautiful. Great workmanship.

[@markcowan3366]

You make it look so easy. Just a couple hours ago I was trying to skive a small, 1-2 oz leather edge. I was struggling and I remembered to case it and that helped tremendously. Your tools must be infinantly sharper than mine. Pleasure to watch your video and definitely motivating.