How To Make A Saddle: Demo

Saddle up! Denny Lowe from SLC has made a Western saddle, and this video documents his process, from the first layers of leather on the saddle tree to the completed masterpiece. If you've ever wondered what it takes to make a saddle, this video will give you some insight into the process and hopefully "stirrup" some creativity! The 150-200 hour process has been condensed to a 30-minute video. *Timestamps Below*
- 0:51 Denny trims the gullet cover
- 2:09 Denny shapes the horn gullet to the inner cap
- 3:43 Denny fits the tail of the horn cover
- 8:18 Denny tools the saddle skirts
- 12:45 Denny finishes shaping the cantle filler
- 15:46 Denny marks the fender pattern
- 17:25 Denny shapes the cantle dish
- 18:07 The fork cover is tooled
- 21:35 The cantle is trimmed
- 28:31 Denny applies a spray finish
- 29:08 The saddle skirts are laced on
- 29:33 The rosettes are attached with a bleed knot
- 30:22 The flank billets are laced on
- 30:58 Finally, Denny laces on the bucking rolls
Not an expert in saddle terminology? We've got you covered with a basic saddle diagram and vocabulary guide. Click here: springfieldleather.tk/post/161...
Visit our website: springfieldleather.com/
About The Saddlemaker: Denny made saddles for over 30 years and has made over 200 saddles. He originally worked for a saddlemaker in Grand Junction, Colorado, and started out doing repair work. He later worked for a saddlemaker in Wyoming, where he developed his tooling and pattern-making art. Denny had his own shop in PFI here in Springfield, MO, for over 17 years.

[@DavidREllisAZ]

As a saddle maker myself, this man has made a lot of saddles, he knows his craft, and is a master 👍👍

[@brownkr2k3]

OMG, Never thought I'd see such beautiful saddle making again. For seven years before I was drafted I tooled and made saddles under the watchful eye of a saddle maker named Wade Warren. He designed the Warren Roper, a slick fork tree much lick the one you show here, and the tooling design was a wield rose with a hummingbird. I've never seen better saddlery . Thanks for sharing.

[@dochiggins]

If I wasn’t 54 years old I’d love to learn to do this kind of work. Just amazing to watch.

[@bobhunt2651]

If anyone ever questions the cost of a handmade saddle, just have them watch this video. Great work, Sir!!!

[@hammerdragon4321]

I’m planning on making one my self when I have everything I need

[@glentweedie602]

Okay, there's drool running out of the corner of my mouth. 😲 That's masterclass stuff right there. I am humbled and honoured to see this. Thank you Stay safe

[@gateway8833]

I was a Wheelwright Apprentice 50 years ago, there a beautiful Saddle Shop in the same company. Every once in a while I get a chance to go over there and watch those Saddle makers. I always thought it was some kind of magic how those ‘Ol boys moved that Leather around like they did. I’m still convinced watching this that you Sir have been given that same magic.

[@gravydogg1]

I build custom show cars and hot rods for a living,i can appreciate all the patience and soul that goes into this type of work,i have been working leather in my spare time and love the trade... this is one of the best videos on youtube and Denny is a brilliant craftsman

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks for the kudos! We love hearing feedback from other artisans. Sounds like you get the thought and dedication that goes into crafting. Thanks for watching :)

[@INFIDEL82AA]

Hello, Sir. I have been doing the same thing, but I do mostly Bike work. But we all know that Bikes and Hot Rods go hand-in-hand. It's amazing how similar the crafts are, and one can bleed-over into several other fields. Weather it's seats, saddles, dashboards, or belts and bags, the leather tooling industry is very well diverse. Once we learn the craft and art of it, we can usually find a customer in any walk of life. I love watching Masters of their craft, and usually compare them to my own way of doing things. It's weird how different styles are, when you compare a self-taught to professionally taught craftsman. This is how I learn different ways of doing things. I was really happy to have noticed your comment here. It shows me that I am not alone. Good day, Sir, and good luck!

[@rexjerome5931]

Beautiful job Denny! 👍

[@charlesneeley6329]

Great seeing a craftsman at the top of his trade!

[@Atcraftcity]

Mr. Lowe, I’ve never been so impressed in my lifetime, and I’m 63, by artistry of any genre, than by your artistry and the making of this saddle!!! It is absolutely beautiful and brings me to tears the sheer beauty of it!

[@gwynneclark6372]

Magic Hands ! Wow what a fantastic job you've done

[@robertcolfack26]

I would say whom ever you made that saddle for he or she are very happy people.... I love your beautiful designs the color you choose, and your amazing skills....

[@michaelagalasso2389]

Only one word discribes his work. OUSTANDING !!!!!!

[@richardkatzman2066]

Denny you are an unbelievable artist! Best regards, Richard….

[@jameskleist4019]

That is a nice saddle. All the time I was watching I was thinking about my Dad who repaired boots shoes and saddles and tac. As well as I worked for a short time pushing a broom for a saddle company but I never saw a saddle assembled from start to finish. Good job 👏

[@christinamuller1741]

The craftsmanship is absolutely stunning. I may have to buy a saddle before buying a horse. Simply beautiful!

[@manuelmendoza6124]

True craftsmanship. Master of his craft. Amazing work sir.

[@duanejones4026]

Such amazing craftsmanship that I would buy a saddle and I don’t even have a horse! I worked with leather years ago and I’m amazed at your eye at detail. Great work!!

[@bernhardpflug7924]

One day I'll have a saddle like this....great piece of workmanship!!

[@marshmonster942]

Denny, you are a craftsman and a genius. Kevin, Thank you for such a wonderful video. Now I will try to recreate this in 1/6th scale!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks for the appreciation! Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@BluegrassPercussion]

Beautiful saddle. Best video i have watched on saddle making .

[@TheWingnut58]

Mr.Lowe, most people would call a saddle maker a craftsman....you sir, are an artist! Beautiful work!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

He really does some amazing things!

[@thomas4501]

Excellent craftsmanship! Well made video!

[@chibcha46]

What a piece of masterwork. Thank you for publishing

[@javierbiaggi3072]

A beauty! Thanks for let me watch! Incredible artist.

[@l.horseman5704]

That was superbly done. I want to make a saddle. Believe me you make it look so easy. I used to make custom radius staircases, from walnut. Double bull nose with fancy custom handrails. I just want to make a rough out leather western saddle. I still ride I am 76. Great job DENNY good hands that create with care. I know how that is when the wood got silky-smooth as I shaped it.

[@BigTex0516]

Wow great job and thank you for sharing. So much detail into this amazing work.

[@omarjoaodasilva5004]

Achei o máximo... Maravilhoso. Bom exemplo pra nós artesões do Brasil!

[@Blumx1]

It really is wonderful watching a craftsman do his thing so well.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks, Keith! We also love having Denny on our team and seeing his talent come to life. Thanks for watching!

[@joesantostx]

True artistry.

[@fourieferreira9679]

THIS IS TRULY A WORK OF ART! WELL DONE. WISH I COULD AFFORD IT. GOD BLESS.

[@bailey.s_tricks]

This is a work of art!!! one day I hope to make my own saddle.

[@pcprimeevil]

wow great job and artistry

[@Robert-xp4ii]

WOW!! Such beauty and amazing skill.

[@jackkrag]

Hi all. Mr. D. This saddle is so very crisp. 👍🏽

[@kreator-ys1yz]

wooweeee! My hands just got tired watching this video. Awesome Job!

[@TexHoss1]

Great job on the build. I only wish I could tool that good.

[@TheBlackstag1]

wow wow and wow amazing to see this process mind blowing

[@gilbertjimenez5150]

Best work ever seem done in my life,amaizing.

[@lynntraylor1646]

Nothing like a pro and his craft

[@NGHTRYDR2002]

I wish there was a place here in NE Pennsylvania where I could go learn this from someone... I have always wanted to learn how to make a saddle. Stuck making belts, handbags and other small items...

[@ericgauthier8695]

Such a beautiful piece of art right there ..... Man alive , I wish there was a Saddle shop here in Rome NY I could apprentice at !!!

[@jonessaddle]

Thanks for sharing. Great job!

[@mikeboone4425]

Thanks for sharing amazing workmanship. Happy Trails

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks Mike!

[@tomwillmore1740]

WOW! Thank you for this video, enjoyed watching very much.

[@randybingham281]

Excellent craftsmanship nice work I value that. but where in the heck did u acquire all your patience. Thanks for taping this

[@javierbiaggi3072]

Listen guys the show was fantastic! Denny's art is incrediblly beautiful. And the Metro Lion version that that wild beast meanly growling... is way and above of all Hollywood presentations. What is the name of that fantastic version of Leo. His name should be written in pure gold.

[@arthurdurham5112]

Master craftsman. Wow!

[@user-mv4th3xl1v]

Просто шедевр мирового класса !!! Золотые руки !!!

[@regmalt3900]

Fascinating..a work of art. Thanks.

[@danielirvine7468]

Wow this is amazing very skilled craftsmanship respect sir

[@DLSWV]

Awesome. 👍😉. Lot works. Look nice 😉

[@caljarvis]

nice job kevin

[@justinsheesley6378]

Amazing. Mind blown!!!

[@keevinhesue1796]

Wow impressive!! Thanks for sharing ur skills..

[@PriceReynoldsMaker]

Excellent!

[@patrickpatrick9132]

Haha. The intro with the pissed off dog was awesome

[@kevinhealy3479]

Makes me want to get back on my horse. Beautiful love the smooth seat.

[@texasrednspeck]

Very informative, thank you.

[@MV-in8xs]

I don't even ride and I want to now - just to see the saddles. Excellent work!!!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks, Marlon! Saddles can be such amazing masterpieces. Thanks for watching :)

[@ctrlpotter9394]

Эгер чабу

[@gilbertoguarnieri1758]

Parabéns o senhor é um artista

[@martinromeroperalta1939]

MUCHAS GRACIAS AMIGO POR LA GRAN APORTACION QUE ME DA AL HACER UNA MONTURA. SALUDOS DESDE BACUM SONORA MEXICO. THANKS

[@DEADDROP100]

Amazing Saddle maker !! I would love to own this work of art.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

You and me both!

[@sneiderthmartinezpaez8816]

Exelente trabajo lo felicito desde Colombia.

[@pjculbertson55]

Darned amazing.

[@rubymorgan1]

sharpening advice excellent

[@scotthalladay2210]

I’d bet it smells incredible in that shop with all that leather

[@raulorlandoheeren1958]

Que laburo tiooo mil felisitasines ..desde chaco argentina...

[@rhoa4396]

When you gain a customer because of price, you will lose them for the same reason..... BUT... when you gain a customer because of service, you have them forever.

[@woogaboogawiththegreenteet8436]

thank you for the privilege of watching your skill sir

[@user-eo5zy3lu2g]

Шикарно! слов нет!

[@curiousman1672]

Wow. To me, the highest order of leather work.

[@sophieswimswithsharks]

may I ask if we can get a video on what tools you need and how to start? I want to learn how to do this masterful art :)

[@danellonzo1887]

How often do you sharpen and strop that round knife WOW beautiful handling sir just WOW!

[@stuartmarkman769]

How much does a saddle of this quality cost? That is a piece of art that very few people can duplicate. Great video and great workman ship.

[@manicheanwarrior8589]

If Denny were in Japan he would be considered a national treasure. Unbelievable skills.

[@user-pk2xx7dc5u]

Это какая должна быть лошадь чтобы носить такое седло . Просто супер !

[@juliangonzales2916]

Impresionante 👏👏

[@noelmendezsepulveda4071]

Qechulada de trabajo grasias por compartirlo saludes desde culiacan

[@gks4343]

very nice...

[@suzieparis6821]

Loooove that fierce little opening...haaaaha

[@rpdeshmukh135]

High skills, work s super duper 👍👍👍👍👍

[@kimanutpriyo3207]

Istimewa

[@achmadfarmis84]

Beautiful..bagus sekali

[@johnhinton4780]

I am an Upholsterer of fifty years in my trade.. I thought I was clever until I watched this..OMG .. this man is a Genius 👍🙏

[@SpringfieldLeather]

It is really amazing the different tips and tricks you can pick up! We are sure you have some great ones too!

[@johnhinton4780]

Making a saddle has been a dream of mine..sadly a dream un full filled.. You have my respect 🙏

[@SpringfieldLeather]

@@johnhinton4780 maybe you can find an old saddle and tear it down and repair it? We did a live series on that exact thing and it was a great time!

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Wow so nice, wonder how much one of them are?

[@tinstar599]

Okay: is he using a left handed safety beveler?! I've done leather work for over fifty years and never seen one. I NEED ONE (SOME)!

[@BluegrassPercussion]

what type of thread are you sewing the horn with? Does SLC carry it?

[@user-rw2yx5ke5l]

At the master of golden hands I'm delighted with your work. Can you buy this elegant saddle

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks for the compliments! Denny is indeed a master craftsman and a joy to have on our staff. We'll pass on the message! Yes, this saddle is for sale at $6,900. Thanks again! :)

[@user-rw2yx5ke5l]

I'm from Ukraine. I'm hunting horse-breeding and I want to ask if you could send a saddle to Ukraine. But are there any cheap saddles?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

With the exception of this saddle, our shop actually does not produce and sell saddles. We sell leather, tools, patterns and kits, and a variety of finished goods instead. Sorry we couldn't help you out with this one, but good luck with finding a saddle! Thanks again for the compliments. :)

[@user-rw2yx5ke5l]

Good luck to your store

[@baldwinleatherworks]

Beautiful work! How many hundreds of hours total including your gorgeous tooling work to you have into this saddle?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hello! Denny worked on this saddle somewhere between 150 to 200 hours. Thanks for watching and for the appreciation! We're happy you enjoyed it. :)

[@RobsonSantos-bv2hw]

Parabéns pelo trabalho quanto custa uma sela dessa

[@yitcon2704]

i just want to know how much a saddle like that costs! great work! simply amazing!

[@xXNoMoralzXx]

1600

[@JesusDisciple916]

@@xXNoMoralzXx actually, this saddle was $6,900.

[@aixpert291]

If this is a demo, is there a full version for sale?

[@Steaphan82]

I would love to learn this. When forming the leather around the tree, is the leather wet ?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

We will get with Denny when he gets back to work. Thank You!

[@elmaestrodelcueropereira4157]

Por favor puedes hacer un vídeo ......de cómo se hace el burro del prensado..... El aprietas con el pie. ???????

[@miguelsandino5289]

Que linda motura cuanto cuesta esa lindo arte y adonde la tiene ode donde es uste señor

[@BluegrassPercussion]

You need to offer the floral pattern for sale. Would purchase.

[@BluegrassPercussion]

nice move looks like hand was in front of head knife trimming the horn???

[@DLSWV]

What best way learn saddlemaking. ?

[@bransonbradshaw9454]

what kind of spray finish is he using