Custom Saddle, Tack & Gunleather

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Important repair facts to consider:
A skilled saddlemaker can repair almost any horse gear you have as long as it is in reasonable condition and reasonably well crafted. If your equipment is neglected, abused, or poorly made, it may not be able to be repaired. Consider these points before making
repairs:

Any stitching repairs should be hand sewn through the same holes or it weakens the leather making it dangerous from over perforation.

Quality repairs should be nearly invisible. New leather and thread should be matched as closely as possible.

Do it sooner than later. A stitch in time saves nine as well as prevention of accidents if it is a possible safety issue.

Never accept a splice. A splice will never have the strength of a solid piece of leather. This is critical for your safety, especially in straps for billets, stirrup leathers, reins, and bridle pieces.

Do not accept any old leather. Replacement should be with the appropriate type of leather. Leather is tanned differently for different tack uses(e.g. stirrups, bridles, saddle skirting). Your safety depends on it.

If your horses comfort and well being depend on the repair, do it as soon as possible.

In general, poor quality tack may not benefit from the cost of repair. It may be better to replace it with quality tack.

If the repair will cost more than 50% of the replacement cost, evaluate if repair or replacement is the better choice.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Only seek businesses that stand behind their work.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. What types of guarantees do you give?
What products do you use?
Do you have references?
Do you have training or certifications?