Making The Western Saddle
There are two basic production techniques when it comes to saddles. A "Handmade" or "Machine Made" saddle or a "Custom" or "Mass Produced" saddle. Here are some of the most common saddle production choices:A "Handmade Production Saddle" is one that has been made by hand to general specifications for the general public. These are, for the most part, well made saddles that can be as high quality as a custom saddle. It is sold right off the "rack". They run at a more affordable price and buy one of these is a way to get good saddle at a more reasonable price.
The "Handmade Custom Saddle" is one that has been made by hand with a specific buyer who has given individual choices for his saddle. A saddle-maker can do the entire thing by hand or the minimal use of a sewing machine/stitcher may be used for some parts. The customer will choose all the features and the saddle is built to the customer's measurements. It is customary for an individual saddle-maker to make a custom saddle from start to finish although some makers have others they collaborate with or have an apprentice working on the minor items.
The "Semi-Custom Saddle" is a production saddle where a few of the features and trimmings are picked by the customer. Usually, the customer chooses the basic model and then makes his own changes. Those selections can be stirrup type, cantle height, or carving pattern. Any combination of hand and machine techniques can be used with this type of saddle.
The "Factory Saddle" or "Machine Made Production Saddle" has been made completely with machine techniques, although some hand-work may be involved with the higher end production saddles. This saddle is made with general specifications and no ability for the customer to customize any features. In general, a company will take the most popular attributes and put them all together so as to please a wide variety of riders.
posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 7:00 PM
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