How to Break Down a Saddle

[@wtf2203]

I was hoping to find info about rescuing saddle leather & I found this. Every question & more was answered. This is fantastic!

[@crowznest438]

Wow, this is very thorough. Thanks!

[@jennyfranklin514]

Thank you SO MUCH for this share. I have a couple saddles that I want to tear down & repair/rebuild, just for my own education. This was EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you very much

[@melmcbain47]

I don't do saddle repair, but I ride a lot. I keep my saddles in pretty good shape, but after watching this video, I learned that maybe I don't keep them up like I should. Thanks for this video and all the videos you. I love them. Yes I'm a smoochy type of cowgirl (70 years young). Keep up the good work, and good luck with your new shop!!

[@lesliemateka4193]

Fantastic info. Just looking around. Mechanically inclined so I want to how things work. Your videos are perfect. Thanks

[@martinstults9419]

Looking forward to seeing the cleaning process. I have a couple old saddles than need refreshing. Thanks.

[@tomkilcullen5421]

Always a treat and a blessing to watch a kindered spirit teach others the ways of a trade that's fading away. As a fellow leather Smith it's a joy to watch a young man prosper in a profession that they love. Believe me it truly is a love that guides your hands. Sure money is important but the joy you get is in the satisfaction you give to others. Blessings on ya Don. Don't weaken,you're on the trail you need to be on. Again, blessings on you and your family. Thanx for sharing. Addios.

[@nigelwylie01]

I’m a UK hobbyist leatherworker, so I’m never likely to need to know about breaking down a US saddle, but I love watching your videos Don. I always think watching someone who is at the top of their game, and confident with their materials and tools, helps beginners to learn. There’s always something I learn from each of your videos. Thank you.

[@GottliebGoltz]

Ditto.

[@KKIcons]

This is my dream saddle btw! I have one that is def not my dream saddle and it needs some work, so I appreciate your offering these videos.

[@awildeep]

I look forward to this... I have one of my great grandfathers saddles that he made, and I am looking to clean it up.

[@GottliebGoltz]

Cool thing to do.

[@clantoncattleco]

Love the Saddle videos keep them coming! Hope all is well after the move the shop is looking great!

[@horse_guru86]

Hi there. : ) Loved watching this video, I learned a lot! I have an old JC Higgins Saddle that I would like to hand down to my Son, that belonged to my Grandfather. Everything on it is original, stirrups included. It has been well maintained, leather is still supple but needs re-fleecing and rivets re-done/some straps on rigging replaced. Tree is SOLID. It's beautiful, with a georgeous red-amber petina. People keep telling me it's only meant to be cabin decor. However my Grandfather rode in it, my mom, I rode in it before enlisting into the Military Police and my son wants to ride in it and pass it on to his son (or daughter) someday. I've removed ALL the old fleece and glue, what was left of it...and found old leather straps (X) underneath + tiny rusted nails, and such. I don't want to destroy it, but I am at a loss. I have gotten it's underside (each panel) as smooth as humanely possible. I don't mind removing all the stitching on each panel either, so long as I have a way to re-stitch it all back once the new fleece is on. Our nearest Saddlery charges $900+ to re-fleece it. Not only can I not afford that (I'm now Disabled and on a limited-fixed income), but I would like to learn the process myself...or at least most of it so that I can feel involved/a part of this saddle when I pass it on. Only I don't have a strong enough sewing machine to do the work...or if I'm being honest, the expertise required for sewing. It's too nice a saddle, I'm afraid of ruining it. Any suggestions? Or do you know anyone who might be willing to help me? I'm located in Enumclaw, WA and can send photo's. Thank you. 🙏

[@GottliebGoltz]

There are always practical lessons in Your videos.

[@moniquehoffer3527]

I can’t wait to see more about saddle repair, and rebuilding. I’ve learned SO much from your videos. (I may have picked up a couple of old saddles for next to nothing last winter, and as far as I can tell the trees are all good, they just look super rough.)

[@jesseanderson3896]

This is a great, informative video! Really looking forward to the saddle videos you have planned. Haven’t found many good videos going over the breakdown of a saddle and the terminology and you do an excellent job. Thanks!

[@ronbrass]

Hi Don, Your timing could not be more perfect. Last summer I started doing all the horse tack repairs for the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (www.eraf.org) in South Florida. I cleaned several donation saddles last year. In December 2019 after a neck injury I had to stop. Well live is good and I'm back to those task. Cleaned and oiled 14 sets of reins and 25 leather bridles today for an auction in two weeks. After seeing your video, time to attack those saddle repairs. Thanks, Don, your videos help in ways your never know.

[@LizDavis2009]

I love that saddle!! Looks comfortable!!

[@D.J.M.47]

Don, your videos are very helpful, I enjoy this one. I would like to see a complete breakdown of the saddle to the tree and recommendations. Old vs new age saddle trees. Thank you!

[@judithwright5084]

Also enjoy learning something new. Great videos. Thanks

[@fredpfeiljr6450]

Great video Don ! Looking forward to the entire process !

[@mikeboone4425]

Looking forward to the next video. Happy trails

[@daveybass655]

Thanks Don ! I appreciate it !

[@katlyntriano8506]

Great video! So much information! Loved it.

[@martinstults9419]

Saddle cleaning part two? I have a couple old saddles waiting. Thanks amigo.

[@Hannah392mulegal]

Great video Don, looking forward to more!

[@lesharp5748]

Thanks for doing this video it helps alot, thank you.

[@diamondhorse4692]

Will you be doing a "Clean and Oil Saddle", video? Great tips. Thank You!

[@horsefeatherkate]

Including the breakdown, what is the starting price on a clean, oil and polish?

[@fernlintner65]

Would love to see a side saddle repair

[@paulrhodes482]

Do you build your saddle stands or buy them? Being that I have a back injury from my car accident the stand would be great to have for sure. Thanks again for all you do to bring this amazing content to us. Love the channel and everything your doing. Have a blessed night.

[@harleymurph1]

Great video....thanks

[@captndavie]

New subscriber. Just found your channel and enjoying it. When will you do the video on cleaning? I didn't see it in the playlist.

[@mokamokie]

How often do you recommend fully breaking down the saddle like this to clean and inspect it?

[@traveler7353]

I found two saddles for free at a yard sale. I would love to redo them and sell them. Hopefully this video helps

[@jonathanalvarez9525]

Have you posted a saddle cleaning and oiling vedio

[@andreasporch788]

Liquid Dawn soap is a great product.

[@rowdyyates4046]

How much should I charge to clean and condition a saddle?

[@UnumDeum]

I am replacing stirrup leather on an older saddle. If the fender and stirrup leather is one piece, do you just cut the fender and rivet a new piece on or is it better to create a new fender that is designed for the stirrup leather to be replaced in the future?

[@frankyantosca5012]

What do you charge for a COP treatment on this saddle?

[@MVS77MVS]

Don, if the swells of the saddle can move back & forth, what do you suggest?

[@lizscrochetandknittingcorn3801]

Can i retool while i have my saddle broke down?

[@gingercox6468]

I took a western saddle to a repair shop for new fleece. They took it all the way down and found a broken tree. That’s when they realized they lost the owners name and info. After a couple months I went to check on it and saved it from the dust bin. I worked on it with every product I could find. It really stank of mildew. I got it on Craig’s list. After all that it still stinks.

[@aixpert291]

I’m just getting into doing these cleans, condition and repairs. What do you charge for this, before parts replacements? I’m not sure how to price it. Thanks!

[@westmathieu697]

Nice wade, how can we go about buying when this is done?

[@Richblondin]

What is a rig catcher

[@rustyshackleford498]

Just a small leather tab that you can attach the buckles of your girts to for storage. Looks like a leather key fob with a slot cut in it.

[@bobd8553]

Thank you for the awesome video! Question I have a rough out saddle seat, I have been told not to condition rough out and just used a metal brush to clean. Is it ok to use something like bick 4 or obenauf's oil on the rough side of leather? Please help it's been a challenge getting an answer.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

I oil and condition rough out all the time with no trouble. I use olive oil and skidmores leather cream. I do not recommend a wire brush.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

I think the advise to not came from using neatsfoot oil maybe... many folks over oil with neatsfoot and then you end up wearing it after riding.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

And by roughout, I am assuming you do not mean a suede padded seat... don’t ever put oil or conditioner in suede... it will ruin it. And don’t use a wire brush on that either:)

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

And thank you so much for watching our videos and the kind words!

[@bobd8553]

@@DonGonzalesMaker Thank you for the reply, Yes sir, I mean roughout (like the not smooth side of leather.) Good to know about not recommending a wire brush.... On another note I do often use neatsfoot oil on my tack, would that be ok for roughout sparingly? and "camp dry" spray to waterproof? Thanks again for the quick reply.

[@kristinward9668]

What size screws do you use?

[@woofwoofwoof1603]

Have you ever done it to a treeless saddle? (Curious if thats a thing or not)

[@audieaitken5878]

What do you charge for a COP in Hearn TX ?

[@briantaylor6772]

How do I replace a padded seat

[@ronbrass]

What do you use to clean the silver conchos?

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

We buff them off on a cloth buffing wheel on a grinder.

[@mattmatchette6498]

how much for saddle?

[@Nick76571]

Used Price Sir ?