Saddlery - how many of you know how to repair it?

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flyingfeet

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So I'm nursing my wounds, as I have been reattaching girth straps to a saddle that had a one strap aussie girthing system

For my recent birthday I got two books about saddlery, one the idiots guide to repairs and the others the saddlers handbook

I am amazed at my lack of knowledge, so would anyone else know a pricker tool from their loop sticks?? :confused:

Anyway I did revert back to my speedy stitcher awl for the current task in hand (had wonderful ideas of using two needles), but still managed to stab myself repeatedly, and perhaps I was slightly hasty in thinking saddlers charge a lot!! :rolleyes:
 
I can do basic repairs - basically restitching stuff (stirrup leathers, knee pads to flaps, etc). I know what some tools are for, and how to use them but couldn't name them to save my life.

This is thanks to 8 yrs at a riding school/yard where if it broke the grooms repaired it!
 
I went to leather work evening classes at local school and made a headcollar - was very proud of myself.

Stitching with two needles is not easy and I used to end up with holes in my fingers. It was great fun though.
 
My Dad repairs all mine (mainly small things like stitching though :)) for me and does a pretty good job but he hasn't read any books or anything.
 
Oh I'd love to own a piece of kit I made myself. I did wonder whether I could make a bridle, but think it may be a tad ambitious!

Still find it fascinating learning about all the tools - 25 years with horses and always something new to learn!!
 
Jen_Cots said:
So I'm nursing my wounds, as I have been reattaching girth straps to a saddle that had a one strap aussie girthing system

For my recent birthday I got two books about saddlery, one the idiots guide to repairs and the others the saddlers handbook

I am amazed at my lack of knowledge, so would anyone else know a pricker tool from their loop sticks?? :confused:

Anyway I did revert back to my speedy stitcher awl for the current task in hand (had wonderful ideas of using two needles), but still managed to stab myself repeatedly, and perhaps I was slightly hasty in thinking saddlers charge a lot!! :rolleyes:
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I prefer the name pricking iron! i did 3 years at Cordwainers plus was apprenticed for a year so not a problem! i have done so many repairs using the basic kit i carry in the lorry for others too :) with good plaiting thread and needles, you can do emergency work but you really need a decent tiger thread to attach girth straps and i like ritza thread for stirrup leathers. Clams make a massive difference to the quality and tautness of the stitch too. I have a lovely set of teak loop sticks but how many people here would pay extra for a properly blocked keeper?
 
I have a post machine at home, meaning I can stitch leather and repair heavy duty rugs myself. I bought it at a factory sale, when a shoe and boot manufacturer was closing their local factory.
I must admit, I don't mention the fact that I have it anymore to anyone at the yard, as I used to get asked to repair everyone's rugs/tack/headcollars, etc and it actually takes me ages to do, and some people didn't even clean their rugs which was digusting. I only repair my own kit now :)
 
I do! Can do repairs, flocking. Made various things, favourite being a rolled cow halter, a beautiful 5 point breastplate and my lovely very plain bridle.
However stopping doing it as a job soon, no money when things are so cheap from abroad. Hate doing girth straps so will not miss that
 
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