(Please click  on Photos above to enlarge them)

I truly think that this saddle set showcases just about every skill I have as a miniature tackmaker. From pattern making for the saddle, to leather tooling, to silversmithing and braiding.  I'm extremely pleased with what I've managed to come up with for this set.

In 2006 I spoke with a western museum about making some of their life size, historic saddles in miniature for their giftshop.  Several months later we mutually decided that we would be better off making pieces "inspired" by their collection so as to not step on copyrights.

That is when I decided that I wanted to tackle a mother hubbard saddle. Not just any mother hubbard saddle though, the kind of mother hubbard saddles that a wealthy "Californios" or "Rancheros" would have owned around the 1840's - 1860's.  Thus my idea for "Mother Hubbard #1" was formed.

On this saddle set, I have developed my own saddle patterns, My own tooling ideas, hand braided bosal, mecate AND reins, my own hand made hardware including REAL SILVER Buckles and bit shanks.

This saddle set was truly MADE BY ME!

The only pieces on this set I did not make were the saddle tree and the Stirrups.  The stirrups were hand made out of real wood by my friend and woodworker, Robin Poehlein.  The tree was customized from a Jennifer Harris Tree.