WESTERN SADDLE CONSTRUCTION TYPES AND METHODS

CUSTOM SADDLE      A custom saddle is a saddle that is made to the customer's specifications to include tooling/carving and other forms of decoration completely by hand using no machinery with the possible exception of a sewing machine/stitcher and both the workmanship and materials used shall be of premium quality.            NOTE:  It is generally the trade practice for an individual saddle maker to make the saddle from start to finish, but occasionally a collaborative effort between one or more saddle makers of the same caliper and or leather artisan (leather carver) is also an acceptable trade practice.

BENCH MADE/HANDMADE SADDLE      A bench made/handmade saddle is a saddle that has been constructed for the general riding public to purchase “off the rack” and may include any combination of tooling, stamping, or other forms of decoration.  The saddle may be constructed by an individual saddle maker or several leather craftsmen by hand using no machinery with the possible exception of a sewing machine/stitcher and both the workmanship and materials used shall be of premium quality.

SEMI-CUSTOM SADDLE      A semi-custom saddle is a production (manufactured) saddle in which the customer has the ability to make changes to the existing design and/or decoration.  The saddle may be constructed by an individual saddle maker or several leather craftsmen using any combination of hand and machine techniques.

PRODUCTION (MANUFACTURED) SADDLE      A production (manufactured) saddle is a saddle constructed for the general riding public to purchase “off the floor” allowing no input from the customer as to design or decoration.  The saddle may be constructed by an individual saddle maker or several leather craftsmen using any combination of hand and machine techniques.

NOTE:  While some saddle makers make their own trees and silver trim, it is the general trade practice to have those items made by an outside source, which may or may not be located in the same facility.

ENGLISH SADDLE CONSTRUCTION TYPES AND METHODS

BENCH MADE SADDLE      A bench made saddle is a saddle made from start to finish by one saddle maker by hand.  These saddles are generally custom made to the customer's specifications.

SEMI-CUSTOM SADDLE      A semi-custom saddle is a production (manufactured) saddle in which the customer has the ability to make minor changes to the existing design.  The saddle is generally constructed by a team of leather craftsmen using various types of machinery.

PRODUCTION SADDLE      A production (manufactured/factory) is saddle made for the general riding public using assembly line techniques.  The saddle is generally constructed by a team of leather craftsmen using various types of machinery.