Time is weird. I was fitting an English saddle and decided to check to see when I’d made it. It had to have been like a year, right?
Nope. 2020. I cut out the pieces to make the saddle in 2020. I can’t believe it’s been that long since I’ve made a huntseat saddle.
I pulled out my pattern to rectify that—and realized I hadn’t updated my pattern since 2017. When I first started making English saddles, I was making new pattern pieces every few months. I guess I hit a threshold of skill where the saddles were good and then made micro adjustments.
They’re still good, but it’s time for me to do an update.
There are parts of my patterns that have always annoyed me because I would have to clean it up on the leather before cutting it out.
So I did all of that. My huntseat pattern is updated and ready for use! In 2024 I would like to sculpt and start casting my saddle trees too. If that goes well maybe I’ll try sculpting composite stirrups.
Here’s to 2024 and new English saddles!
Kristian Beverly 