Completed Side Saddle Set

For once I've actually made a set relatively swiftly!! But knowing a set of tack will be shown at NAN on a beautiful custom that you'll soon be the proud owner of is very good motivation. This set was made to fit a Salinero custom but I think it looks good on my Hazel resin, Valkyrie, painted by Sheila Bishop. This was actually the first time I've ever tacked Valkyrie up, and she looks very smart despite the unplaited mane. I've been reading up and she could get away with depicting an Autumn hunting scene - apparently horses don't have to be plaited for Autumn hunting. 

90% of the leather in this set is kangaroo, from Packer Direct here in Australia. It is the bookbinding leather and required no skiving except at buckles etc. Hardware is all gold/brass coloured which really sets this havana colour off nicely. The panel is covered in linen, and the breastplate centre and sandwich case are lined with real sheepskin. I also developed a new pattern for this set including a new tree design with riveted fixed and leaping heads for durability and longevity. They are slightly flexible depending on the type of rider used. I also made a hunting crop with a braided leather leash complete with the standard red thong. Enjoy the pictures!

A very late crupper!

Poor Angela has been waiting for a crupper from me for about 2 years now. She kindly fixed up two of my models painted by her after they suffered from an attack from some bubblewrap the last time I lived in Australia. In return she asked for a crupper to match the endurance set I made for her a year or so previously.

I have no decent explanation of why it has taken me so long to make this small item, probably two more international moves had something to do with it coupled with my forgetfulness! Anyway last week to kick off my tack making in 2012 I did it! In fact I did it twice. The first one I made from some lace but it tore so easily when I tried to do up the buckles. So I took the hardware from that one and re-used it with some hand-cut leather strips. I often find this with lace - it is very dry compared to hide leather and is often much stiffer. Anyway here it is, not much but it will complete the set. I'm also going to make Angela an additional bridle to try and make up for it!

I have also made some good progress this weekend on my saddle orders. All 4 trees are now complete and this afternoon I'll cover them with leather. Then it's a case of cutting, dying and finishing all the flaps and skirts. I think I'm on track to get all these sets, plus three more bridles, by mid-May when I'm off to California, Nevada and Utah for a much needed holiday!