"Custom saddle making is a dying art. If you find that you have a real interest in this field, you should learn as much as possible and pass this knowledge on to others. " - Pete Harry

details about student accommmodations
guestroom

Bull Skull

Basic Course - Saddle Making School

The basic course lasts for four weeks with my instruction given Monday through Friday. In that time period, you will have as much hands-on training as you can handle, as I do not limit myself to eight-hour working days. You will build one saddle, for which I will teach you basic border tooling if you desire. At the end of the school, you will have a saddle that you can take out and ride and enjoy. You do need to realize that you will not become an expert in four weeks, but this course will provide you with a foundation which cannot be found in books or DVD courses.

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You will start by preparing the saddletree. This is the framework on which your saddle will be built.

You will learn how to select the materials for your saddle and the difference in quality. Basic tools used in saddle making, caring for those tools and where to purchase them will be discussed.

You will learn how to develop patterns and how to make your own patterns. Then you will learn about cutting leather and applying it to your tree.

You will learn what constitutes a good saddle; not only one that is pleasing to the eye, but one that is structurally sound.

You will learn the differences between types of saddles.

I will teach you many practical tips that I have developed over the years so you will know what works and what does not and why.

Last but not least, I will teach you how to start up a saddlery, promote your product and establish a customer base.

By the end of the month, you will have much hands-on experience. To help you retain as much as possible, you need to bring a notebook and camera. Once you have completed the course, you can contact me at anytime to help you with whatever problem might arise.

The fee for the basic course is $5,000 due at the beginning of the course and non-refundable. As this is a working shop with many customers, I need to book your spot thirty days in advance, please.

Contact Pete Harry