This video is a timelapse of making a custom saddle. This is the complete process from cutting the parts to completion. For more Leather working information or videos visit: dgsaddlery.com/
You've said on your podcast that you don't make a ton of saddle-making videos because most people can't use them (since so may people make wallets, bags, etc. instead of saddles), but I think they're fascinating. Thanks for posting.
Wow! My dad had a saddle custom made for him back in the 70s. No frills, just larger and had his initials stamped on the back. This is true craftsmanship, we need more people interested in the craftsman trades. Beautiful work. Bring back real leatherwork, real furniture making, real ironworking! Awesome!
I've always thought that saddle making was the ultimate leather craft. I had no idea that some of the carving was done after the leather was already formed on the saddle. I'm kind of an emotional old man and that was so beautiful I got goosebumps.
God Bless the American craftsman. He must have such pride after finishing the saddle. A true work of art. I never knew how much work went into the making of a saddle. Thank you for educating me.
Thank you for this. I've always wanted to see this process all the way through. Any horse would appreciated the time and effort you put in to make sure everything is perfectly balanced for their comfort. This is pure artistry and your saddles are amazing masterpieces. So much more complicated than I ever imagined, and your skiving skills are insane.
Don, You are real craftsman. I had a couple classes of leather craft around sixty years ago. It gave me a real appreciation for the work like yours. Thank you for letting us watch you work.
I have my own leather shop, but I just make small things. I want to learn how to make saddles even half as beautiful as this. You are a legend in my books!
Awesome video!!! I know it would be a very long, in depth and time consuming series, but I would love to sit and watch a “step by step” saddle making video!!
That is absolutely incredible! It really hits it home just what goes into our craft! Fantastic, the trades need to do more of that kind of documentation. Nice Job!
Probably takes 10 years just to learn the basics, another 10 to get proficient and another 10 years to get “ good” at it. I did not mention the essential God given artistic talent. Holy Smokes I’ve never seen such artistry!
This something I have wanted to see for a very long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wish it was not sped up and you were talking telling us what you are doing and why!!! Thank you Don !! You are a living legend!!
I don’t know the first thing about saddles or horses, but I know leather well enough to know that is some beautiful work. Thanks for sharing this video.
Definitely my Biggest word. Is WOW thank you so much for Making this video I’ve always wanted to see how a saddle is made and to see you make it I’m blessed , !!! I really enjoyed this video I’ve seen a lot of videos on leather crafting belts wallets purses, I’ve made them on and off since eighth grade lol I’m 63 now I have acquired a lot of tools , I’m a mechanic but lone working with leather, I really enjoyed watching this thanks , I’m at Nashville Tn maybe some day I can visit there!
Wow just came across this and never knew the saddle making process, i just do keepsakes,wallets, bags, etc...this blew my mind the level of craftsmanship you displayed here, couldnt take my eyes off it..kudos sir your am absolute legend.....
I appreciate the craftsmanship and time it takes to build a fine saddle such as this. Gives understanding of it's worth and value. It makes me understand that as I work and save up for such a thing that it is actually an investment of which I would gladly and proud to pay for. Good job!
Excellent craftsmanship! A lot of work. I am tired just watching and some fermented rocky mountain spring water is in order. Great documentation of an artist at work. It speaks directly to the number of steps that go into a leather project.
That skiving! In my limited experience the tool he uses is the most difficult of the various skiving tools. Don here makes it look easy. Bonus: Superb blues music.
Beautiful work , sure makes me miss my days in the saddle. Still have mine but shes retired now. People have no idea what it takes to make a great saddle. Mine was custom made in 85. Still looks great but holds a lot of miles and memories.
Can say anything that hasn't already been said....WOW, what a tremendous amount of time, skill and craftmanship that you put into making a saddle. Wondering how many hours of work that required. Worth at least a hundred bucks an hour.
I’m very impressed with all the time, effort and skill this art form must take ……but I am especially impressed with the amount of glue that has built up on the outside of that jar.😮
You sir, are an amazing craftsman. I could watch you build this in real time. Fine work. I suspect that glue pot diameter has grown about 50% over time. Thank you for sharing your craft.
Wow! What an incredible amount of skilled and detailed work. Hands down, your work is worth every penny and then some. I hope to see some stuff about saddle bags in the future, just got a steel horse and come to think of it, since I started learning leather in the dark days of 2020, I can't remember seeing you do saddle bags for horse or bike.
Wow man...I only do tooling work myself. Watching you do all that skiving and shaping....it almost looks like your working with clay. I never had any idea how the very base of the saddle was made. The way you build it up and smooth it out. This was an awesome video.
WOW well that makes it pretty obvious why saddles cost so much. I didn’t have any idea how much work or materials went into making a saddle… great video
Love the video!! But as soon as it was done you showed the finished product for a few seconds and then ended it. I wanted to see the end result in detail. Would have loved to see the finished piece a lot more. You’re work is incredible brother! God bless.
Don, just found your video page. Love your work and love how you explain every step. Just starting in leatherwork (59...wish that I had started long enough ago to be good by now). Appreciate your page...keep them coming.
Where do people learn how to do these amazing crafts? I mean, this would take months if not years to learn how to do correctly. What an amazing craft, and amazing craftsmanship.
I wouldn't expect this soundtrack to this topic, but well done. Looking for inspiration to create my own project and I think I found it. I wish I could download the skill, but it looks like I will have to ride my own donkey like these pro's did to learn their skill. I learned a bunch, thank you.
I knew a guy that made these here in New Zealand when I was a kid .He used to make the wooden frame as well , it was a hobby, I really wished I'd slowed down and learned how to do it from him...😂...
Damn! That was incredible to watch, who knew all the pieces that went into a saddle! Thank you for taking time to film, edit, make the saddle and video this process! Liked and subscribed.
