Even though I’ve got way too many in-progress pieces right now, I recently had a “lightbulb” moment regarding saddles and immediately had to get started on a new one.
It’s been three years since I last built an English saddle. I find them incredibly intimidating and am often discouraged before I begin. So wanting to have another go at one was something I really couldn’t ignore.
Once I found a nice reference photo, I worked out a pattern of sorts and began with the tree and seat:
This was cut from sheet metal instead of the pop cans I’ve used in the past… it is holding it’s shape much nicer. I also built up the back a bit with epoxy before covering the entire thing with very thin skiver. It’s got a nice weight to it now and so far, so good.
The skirt came next, which is tooling leather I skived down.
After being dyed I (temporarily) stuck it all together with a couple of headpins. I am SO glad I had the sense to punch holes in the tree before covering it with anything.
I think I’ll tackle the flaps next. Wish me luck? o_o
Desktop Stables 
I think I may have started the ‘pop can’ thing off around 1990, when I sold saddle kits using thin aluminium sheet trees (not pop cans though).
Since then, I have preferred to use aluminium sheet, since it is stronger, and conforms to a variety of back shapes. Sounds like you’re using the same stuff I am!
Looks great so far! I don’t see why you need to be worried, I believe your tack is of a very high standard. 😊
Looks great so far! Can’t wait to see the progress 🙂
So far, so good! I love it! Can’t wait to see the progress. 🤗