Finally, this saddle is finished!
I can’t say this is the same saddle that I started four years ago, because it isn’t. It had to be completely re-worked. However, the vision I had for it remained the same, and honestly? I think it came out a lot better than it would have if I had made it four years ago.
I learned a lot from it though, and it’s the nicest saddle I’ve made so far. Any issues I see with it will only help me make the next one better. I think this is the 6th western saddle I’ve built, and the first in 5 years. (almost to the exact day, that’s really weird!)
Here it is on Lady Phase/Truly Unsurpassed: (who is probably my favorite LP ever, she’s gorgeous!)
Some detail shots… this silver is so hard to photograph!
On Roxy:
And the ISH:
How does it look on Zippo?
Here’s a comparison shot I took mostly for myself. The left is my second saddle, pretty much straight from a Rio Rondo kit. Made it in 2007.. ish? I’m pretty sure I used a thumbtack for the stitch marking and I can’t believe the silver tape plates are still on. š
It helps me to compare old work with new work, to see that yes, I have improved, and to not be so hard on myself. ā¤
Even with this saddle's challenges I still had a lot of fun putting it together. I'm so glad I decided to re-start this project and see it through to the end!
Desktop Stables 
Absolutely stunning! š
Gorgeous! I wish I could make such a beautiful tack…
It’s beautiful! It looks great on all the horses (including Zippo) and I’m glad it came out so good!š
I don’t want to be rude, but I was just wondering if you were going to be selling anything soon.
Holy cow!!
Amazing… The details are incredible and you’ve obviously refined it in many ways! How do you do the stitching now? If you don’t mind me asking?
I use a pounce wheel š
Indeed you have improved. I love the blanket too. Congratulations!
The drawings in the leather, pommel, de metallic details, all is a great work you have done, Nichelle!
I’m so glad on have found your blog and have receiving great tips and instructions from you!
GOD Bless you, Michelle!
Maynard.
[By the way, I have more model saddles tree in process, based on your references.Thank you so much for share this art with me too!]
So beautiful I got I lovely saddle similar to yours at lily fest near Logan Ohio and I plan to get some Breyers too instead of just Schleichs šššš»ššš»šš»šš»šš»šš»šš»šš»