Making a Custom Saddle Timelapse

This video is a timelapse of making a custom saddle. This is the complete process from cutting the parts to completion.
For more Leather working information or videos visit:
dgsaddlery.com/

[@SmashTactics]

You've said on your podcast that you don't make a ton of saddle-making videos because most people can't use them (since so may people make wallets, bags, etc. instead of saddles), but I think they're fascinating. Thanks for posting.

[@williamlushenko3196]

Outstanding! I enjoyed the hell out of this video. No kidding, I wish it had been longer. That's some good quality work! 👍

[@aysercouca643]

1

[@scottpeterson4297]

Beautiful!

[@thumpershd]

I wouldn't have guessed in a million years that there were so many layers to a saddle. Outstanding craftsmanship, amazing to watch!

[@fabiankawau3362]

Yes Outstanding Craftsmanship 💯% 👍

[@Automedon2]

I've always thought that saddle making was the ultimate leather craft. I had no idea that some of the carving was done after the leather was already formed on the saddle. I'm kind of an emotional old man and that was so beautiful I got goosebumps.

[@maynardconde.2954]

I 'm also sure high quality saddles are the masterpiece of the leather crafts, Sir.

[@johnhull2941]

i have never seen a saddle being made before but i would gladly watch this man work all day all i can say is wow what an artist

[@blueviolets2022]

Wow! My dad had a saddle custom made for him back in the 70s. No frills, just larger and had his initials stamped on the back. This is true craftsmanship, we need more people interested in the craftsman trades. Beautiful work. Bring back real leatherwork, real furniture making, real ironworking! Awesome!

[@charlesvanhorn1560]

God Bless the American craftsman. He must have such pride after finishing the saddle. A true work of art. I never knew how much work went into the making of a saddle. Thank you for educating me.

[@joleary4349]

It's no wonder a custom saddle cost so much. True artistry.

[@MsAnnadel]

Thank you for this. I've always wanted to see this process all the way through. Any horse would appreciated the time and effort you put in to make sure everything is perfectly balanced for their comfort. This is pure artistry and your saddles are amazing masterpieces. So much more complicated than I ever imagined, and your skiving skills are insane.

[@robertqueberg4612]

Don, You are real craftsman. I had a couple classes of leather craft around sixty years ago. It gave me a real appreciation for the work like yours. Thank you for letting us watch you work.

[@martinstults9419]

Wish I could work that fast and end up with something that looked that good. Fantastic.

[@Dan_Gleeballs420]

I have my own leather shop, but I just make small things. I want to learn how to make saddles even half as beautiful as this. You are a legend in my books!

[@M.U.J.O.N]

Это просто невероятная работа,снимаю шляпу!Низкий поклон мастеру👍👍👍

[@Cobra-ky9bt]

Amazing. I just started to learn saddle repair this morning. I've a lot to look forward to. Can't wait to really get into making. Great video.

[@mikeboone4425]

This will be the crown jewel of viewership on your channel at least for me will done young man a true artist at work. Happy Trails

[@MusicIsTheJoyOfLife]

Well I just sat there for over a half hour watching some guy build a saddle. Guess I’ll write that on my bucket list and scratch it off.

[@eddyevans5465]

Awesome video!!! I know it would be a very long, in depth and time consuming series, but I would love to sit and watch a “step by step” saddle making video!!

[@tonynet2709]

Watching saddlemakers helps me understand what they do, which in turn helps me with saddle cleaning and repairs. Thanks for another great video.

[@jimbarbieri2387]

That is absolutely incredible! It really hits it home just what goes into our craft! Fantastic, the trades need to do more of that kind of documentation. Nice Job!

[@markb3129]

Sir, your saddle making is second to none. I am always amazed at your attention to detail on all your leather work. Awesome video and music.. ✌🏻

[@caseywiley4824]

I always appreciate watching a craftsman at work, and seeing this makes me want to go on post to talk with the Soldiers in the horse detachment!

[@gjanalog5675]

Probably takes 10 years just to learn the basics, another 10 to get proficient and another 10 years to get “ good” at it. I did not mention the essential God given artistic talent. Holy Smokes I’ve never seen such artistry!

[@alandrewgibson]

WOW stunning work! I am in the U.K. and know nothing about saddles but I do know top quality when I se it and this is top quality!

[@carguyrob5]

Thanks for making this video. I’m just a hobbyist and with this video you answered so many questions I had about building a saddle. And thank you for all you do for the craft.

[@danharrell6200]

Don I truly didn’t realize just how talented you were until I watched this video. I have learned so much watching your videos. Thanks very much, Dan

[@kobudo]

I don’t know the first thing about saddles or horses, but I know leather well enough to know that is some beautiful work. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@kingsolomon8946]

This something I have wanted to see for a very long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wish it was not sped up and you were talking telling us what you are doing and why!!! Thank you Don !! You are a living legend!!

[@iancornock431]

Wow just came across this and never knew the saddle making process, i just do keepsakes,wallets, bags, etc...this blew my mind the level of craftsmanship you displayed here, couldnt take my eyes off it..kudos sir your am absolute legend.....

[@duathlete827]

Can say anything that hasn't already been said....WOW, what a tremendous amount of time, skill and craftmanship that you put into making a saddle. Wondering how many hours of work that required. Worth at least a hundred bucks an hour.

[@pwking1115]

Love the video!! But as soon as it was done you showed the finished product for a few seconds and then ended it. I wanted to see the end result in detail. Would have loved to see the finished piece a lot more. You’re work is incredible brother! God bless.

[@CrossTimbersSon]

Beautiful Saddle! Thanks for all it took to share the whole process. Amazing!

[@BHFWaterloo]

Oh, that’s craftsmanship and a work of art

[@tinoyb9294]

Tour de force! Still blows my mind to see you tool on the swell. Muchas gracias!

[@sharoneverall9419]

Fascinating….. just can’t believe the number of pieces and the amount of wok that goes into making one! Thank you

[@lsuhutch9570]

Don, That saddle is absolutely gorgeous sir. I could watch these time lapse videos of your beautiful work, all day long.

[@K7ZUZ]

That skiving! In my limited experience the tool he uses is the most difficult of the various skiving tools. Don here makes it look easy. Bonus: Superb blues music.

[@TrebleForTheBass]

Don and Agar France are the true saddle masters - unbelievable skill and artistic ability

[@mikecleek3964]

Definitely my Biggest word. Is WOW thank you so much for Making this video I’ve always wanted to see how a saddle is made and to see you make it I’m blessed , !!! I really enjoyed this video I’ve seen a lot of videos on leather crafting belts wallets purses, I’ve made them on and off since eighth grade lol I’m 63 now I have acquired a lot of tools , I’m a mechanic but lone working with leather, I really enjoyed watching this thanks , I’m at Nashville Tn maybe some day I can visit there!

[@valeriebrincheck6034]

I’m very impressed with all the time, effort and skill this art form must take ……but I am especially impressed with the amount of glue that has built up on the outside of that jar.😮

[@kevenbeene4585]

Beautiful work , sure makes me miss my days in the saddle. Still have mine but shes retired now. People have no idea what it takes to make a great saddle. Mine was custom made in 85. Still looks great but holds a lot of miles and memories.

[@mr.ackermann807]

Always a pleasure to watch these works of art and craftsmanship come to life.

[@kevinorr6880]

Very satisfying to watch. Thank you. The lasers are a great modern addition.

[@sjfodor]

You sir, are an amazing craftsman. I could watch you build this in real time. Fine work. I suspect that glue pot diameter has grown about 50% over time. Thank you for sharing your craft.

[@stephaniespalmer]

I love watching saddles being made or any horse tack really it's fascinating

[@TrueBlueYou]

Where do people learn how to do these amazing crafts? I mean, this would take months if not years to learn how to do correctly. What an amazing craft, and amazing craftsmanship.

[@georgevangordon9728]

WOW well that makes it pretty obvious why saddles cost so much. I didn’t have any idea how much work or materials went into making a saddle… great video

[@md236]

such a great piece of art, hope the people will see how much it takes to create such a awesome work

[@aixpert291]

That was awesome. I’d love to see the whole slowed down speed version of it! You are truly an artist.

[@kippblauer5551]

Fantastic job. It’s like watching a painter paint a masterpiece but using leather, a couple hundred different hand tools and ability.

[@TheAlabamaWildman]

I'd LOVE to Buy one of Your Saddles .. and I don't even own a horse ! Your work is AMAZING !! ❤

[@user-Abaec883]

Healthy body and clarity of mind. What a wonderful hobby, beauty turned out. When I was young, I also made saddles with my father.

[@562LBLegend]

Wife damn near drooled on the floor when I mentioned I was watching this. Love the saddles brother, maybe one day.

[@thetazva]

Absolutely stunning craftsmanship. A work of art for a working man or woman.

[@mjenn9able]

Thanks so much for the opportunity to see this magic happen, love watching this!

[@terryt9042]

Don, just found your video page. Love your work and love how you explain every step. Just starting in leatherwork (59...wish that I had started long enough ago to be good by now). Appreciate your page...keep them coming.

[@billomaticles]

when a craft is elevated to gorgeous artistry!

[@stevem6788]

Excellent craftsmanship! A lot of work. I am tired just watching and some fermented rocky mountain spring water is in order. Great documentation of an artist at work. It speaks directly to the number of steps that go into a leather project.

[@Placard1203]

I appreciate the craftsmanship and time it takes to build a fine saddle such as this. Gives understanding of it's worth and value. It makes me understand that as I work and save up for such a thing that it is actually an investment of which I would gladly and proud to pay for. Good job!

[@roncadenhead9650]

Damn son. You are a fantastic artist, and that saddle is an awesome piece of art! Love it.

[@johnmcquown8393]

Holy cow Don. All I can say is WOW! Loved the video!!!

[@shanehendren4723]

Thank you one of the most satisfying videos I have seen in a very long time.

[@stephenhines2795]

Your playing great music while I’m watching you make this saddle great job

[@honda200twinstar3]

Ya like wow ,i had no idea as to just how much work and eather it takes to make a saddle .thanks for the education guy.amazing.

[@helodriver20]

Customer, "can I have a custom saddle done ? Oh, and I need it in 3 days.." Maybe 3 months! Beautiful job!🐎

[@johnnylgulledge6899]

Fascinating to watch this go together!

[@wesdresen9994]

I am one of those wallet holster guys but I really enjoyed that. Thanks Don.

[@TexHoss1]

The high-speed DG assembly line. 1 NICE rig.

[@jamesbell8529]

I've never seen a shop that clean.

[@ephjay6t87]

I wouldn't expect this soundtrack to this topic, but well done. Looking for inspiration to create my own project and I think I found it. I wish I could download the skill, but it looks like I will have to ride my own donkey like these pro's did to learn their skill. I learned a bunch, thank you.

[@lenlemaic7849]

A true master class presentation by a craftsmen. Respect.

[@f19ash]

🤯 Absolutely incredible craftsmanship

[@agentjonburrows9595]

We need more saddle making videos!!!!! I’m interested in the riggin part of it. I need a little more depth.

[@Alphaboxer]

Wow!! So much craftsmanship goes into a saddle. Beautiful work sir! I will afford a Custome one day

[@justindutcher1300]

Insane amount of steps that go into saddle making!

[@kiahcashman9355]

That is an absolute piece of art! Thanks for sharing

[@frankhanzlicek6550]

Danke für den Einblick in dieses großartige Handwerk!👍

[@hunterstroud16]

Heck of a video sir! True craftsmanship.

[@leathercraft1982]

Amazing craftsman skills I'm very impressed thank you for the hard work and the knowledge

[@theskepticalchristian6870]

Wow man...I only do tooling work myself. Watching you do all that skiving and shaping....it almost looks like your working with clay. I never had any idea how the very base of the saddle was made. The way you build it up and smooth it out. This was an awesome video.

[@Mr.Obvious-]

Thats crazy what you can do. Got tallent you do . WOW

[@giovannionfiani4975]

masterpiece , you really have art in your hand

[@theskepticalchristian6870]

22:49 I like that Linoleum Tile curve template. That would be an awesome material for a template.

[@evandrobernardosilva7089]

Parabéns, vc é muito caprichoso e a sela é bem reforçada

[@jamesbuchanan3439]

THAT’S a LOT of work!! Very nice work!!

[@rosehawke2577]

Interesting. Was not expecting the pommel cover to be carved *in situ* , although on the face of it, it makes sense since shaping and installing it *after* carving would stretch it all out of whack.

[@JoshMoore424]

This video is basically a detailed description of why a custom saddle costs a few thousand bucks. 😊

[@llspragulus]

Your hands and forearms must ACHE after working leather that thick in such a detailed area. It's very impressive!!

[@ladycherokee5382]

Now that's what I'm talking about that was a pretty saddle blessings

[@normanwagner1519]

Fantastic Don. Thank you for making this video

[@cantwellron11]

Unbelievable superb work dont get many western saddles in Australia mainly Aussie stock saddles very impressive CHEERS SOUTH AUSTRALIA

[@timthomas9105]

Watched all the way through.

[@frankleone8695]

Thank you for sharing you do wonderful work

[@jerrycutright3267]

Always an amazing process! Thanks for the show!

[@tonsta1703]

what a work of art! I really hope this genius is passing down his skills and talent to a sibling

[@allenwilson9656]

Or a grandkid

[@rogerosterberger4627]

amazing work, could watch all day

[@Theimpromptulife]

Glad I came across this! Very beautiful work!

[@scotthays294]

Thanks for doing this Don. Absolutely loved watching it

[@Evanmarkib86]

What....! This is one if the best videos of saddle making I've seen. Could be get a break down of the process stage by stage, tips and tricks?

[@rudyardgomeas6042]

Truly amazing work; a dying art.

[@nickmichell]

Absolutely amazing don, what a craftsman. Thank you for sharing.

[@TrebleForTheBass]

I would watch a three hour saddle video if you made one Don. We don’t have to be makers to appreciate the art !