Western Saddle Repair

[black crow]

Grrrr. I am still ****** off about this.

About 5 years ago, i let a 'good friend' use my mares first western saddle on her horse [my mare was retired, and i 'trusted' it would be looked after] She had lovely tack so didnt think it was a problem.
Got it back about a year and a bit later, and was horrified

The fabric underneath of the skirt had been replaced to try and hide a MASSIVE split, running right up the inside of the gullet

They had done something to the front rig D as it had been put back on with huge screws] that were pointing up into the fenders

The hobble straps had been replaced with garden tie wraps

They had cut off the flank billets AND latigo

The cinch straps had been replaced also..

AND had taken out all the standard fastenings and replaced them with 7 tiny screws and washers, meaning that was all it was held together with


You get the idea I have a photo if anyone wants to see.

Anywho, they denied they had done anything to it, i lost faith in the whole.. respect others property thing. My uncle took the saddle apart to see what else had been done to it, and it basically got left. Its still in 3 parts. I told them to claim on their insurance, but they refused. I know my aunt spoke to them about it all, but i dont think anything came of it.

Every time i look at it, it stings. 1. It was my mares saddle. I still have her other saddle, hung up in the tackroom, but thats not the point. 2. because they were good friends and i still cant believe they had the nerve to butcher my beautiful saddle

It is too narrow for spud and a size too short, but i would love to get it put all back together professionally and get it to look amazing again. Even if it does just sit on the shelf forever more.

Im not too keen on taking it to just any saddler as most arent that knowledgeable on repairing western things, but havent seen that many good western repairers... or the other option is just get it repaired at a normal saddlers as i will never use it again?


Do you think its worth getting it done at all?

[My Crazy Clan]

It depends, some people will only have it repaired if they are willing to sell it or have a horse it fits, are you fussed about it being repaired but not used?
There is a proper western shop around here, well there was, we used to watch him making the saddle, just beautiful they where, I could try and find out if they are still going but I think I am a bit far from you?

[black crow]

Not at all! Im not sure how id feel using it again. After being repaired it wont feel the same. Id much rather see it sparkle on the top racks then be in 3 parts covered in mold and dust

I would love to hear of anywhere that does work on them! Ive looked online but not found a great deal, thankyou Rhea!

[CityLights]

cant belive someone would treat anothers property that badly especially something as vaulable as a saddle

a good master saddle should be able to repair it for you if you never use it again then its still sentimental and makes a nice thing to have around, my saddler reapirs alsorts of things and does resotration for people as well, if you sent someone photos etc they should be able to have it up to its former glory

the other option is maybe sending it back to the manufactureers but it would be pricey and mean it would probably have to go back to the states and you risk losing it all together

[black crow]

Thanks guys!

That is exactly the problem, if i posted it it would cost SO much as it is.. it was such a beautiful saddle and id love to get it done. But i just dont want it leaving the country

Thanks for the posts, im in a bit of a rush atm so will reply better later.. but thankyou xx

[Sil]

The tack shop just near me specialises in western, I'm not sure if the guy repairs saddles but I know he sells and fits them, it might be worth a call or email, if he doesn't do it, then he may be able to recommend someone. Google Hooves equestrian.

[CityLights]

Hooves have the worst quality leather on their western saddles ever, would not send them my tack thats for sure

[Sil]

Oh right, sorry ignore that then, I just notice their things when I have to go in, but I've never looked closely because it's not something that interests me.