Paisano’s Tree Shipped
Not a lot to say here, except that it is gorgeous and it was shipped out today. We expect about 10 -14 days for arrival. Can you see why I would want for most of the tree to be visible. It is just a piece of art! I’m going to have a hard time drilling holes in it for the strings, or screwing anything into it. Rod did a magnificent job spacing the tacks/nails perfectly and the stitching is beautifully done. What craftsmanship and well worth all we have been through to achieve. This tree could easily last two life times and I am guessing if a tree is kept in perfect condition it could last many more lifetimes. Obviously Pai’s tree will live in the house and the saddle will be carried in a water proof saddle bag at all times. I think in the saddlebags I will keep a saddle poncho as well for any surprise storms.
I am going to name this tree and refer to it by that name. Much like a swordsman names his blade. A name to be carried on throughout its lifetime.
I have waited 16 years for a tree that will fit one of my horses properly. This tree Rod, Denise and I have been discussing for well over a year and half now. It started out with me wanting to have a saddle built for Kindlewood well over two years ago. When she died, I lost hope or sight of having a tree made, but when Pai arrived with his particular needs, the dream was rekindled and now he is only days away from having his own tree upon which I will be build my first saddle.
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Wednesday, 29. April 2009 10:05
Definately worthy of a name!
Wednesday, 29. April 2009 22:03
I love how the color of the wood shows through the rawhide. I was sad at first to think that might be lost when it was covered. It is really stunning! I know who I will be contacting when I am looking for a custom tree…
Wednesday, 29. April 2009 22:12
Yes I cant wait to set it on Pai and see how falls into place… and then to hunt down just the right contrasting color leather. So much more fun coming down the road.
Thursday, 30. April 2009 4:01
“It is just a piece of art!” You said it first. I’ll say it again: It’s a piece of art!
I confess to ignorance. Can you explain how the tree and the saddle are independent of one another? Sorry, English rider, English saddles (which are all one piece when we get them, so we don’t get to see the beauty within)!
Thursday, 30. April 2009 7:04
Hi Kim, in the original western saddle, the tree “was” the saddle. The leather originally was used to strap the tree onto the back of the horse and hang stirrup leathers from. Later because most early western saddles spent the majority of their time out in the elements a large piece of leather was drapped over the tree to protect it from rain. This brought more comfort to the rider so then a ground seat became fashionable. Later as fashion set in as well as specific jobs a saddle was expected to do, more leather was added which eventually evolved into the many different kinds of western tree’d saddles we see today. The Tree is the saddle. The leather is the adornment, protection, rider comfort, and diversifying element for the saddle.
I’ll repost this today for everyone to see.