Has anyone had dee rings added to their saddle?
The saddle I hunt in does not have them in the back and I think I’d like to be able to carry a sandwich case in addition to the small case I carry up by the knee roll. I’m learning how to whip-in this season and find I am already out of room when carrying a radio, a small first aid kit, my epi pen and the like…
Do they have to remove the seat of the saddle to attach the rings securely? Just how big of a job is it?
I have had D rings added to multiple saddles. I think it cost about $75-100 per saddle to have a pair of D rings added to each side. I had the work done by a saddler–someone who knows how to build a saddle–because they do need to take the saddle apart a bit to do it. I definitely wouldn’t trust anyone without those skills to do this kind of work.
At the time it made me rather nervous to have my nice saddle taken apart, but it survived just fine and looks just the same except for the rings.
If you are having D rings added, I would be sure to add them to both sides.
I’m getting ready to send mine off to have D’s added.
I agree with Grey mare, have someone that is familiar with working on English saddles do it.
I second having them added to both sides.
I can’t remember the cost, but I’ve had it done to 3 different saddles.
This handy dandy gadget may help, it adds D-rings temporarily.
www.thedistancedepot.com/Cashel_English_Tie_One_On_D_Rings_p/ftr-ctooe.htm
It is sold out here but try the Cashel home page.
I used that with 2 of my 3 saddles until I could get to a time I give up the saddle for a week or two to get the dees put on. It did not fit my 3 rd saddle. It was too short and not wide enough.
To add dees at the rear, the saddler cuts the stitches holding the panels on. Dees attach via a loop of leather which is tacked to the tree. Then panels get stitched back on. All that stitching to reattach the panels is what costs bucks.
I also want to have this done but makes me so nervous. Any saddler recommendations ?
It’s a super easy job for any saddle fitter. We fitters “drop” panels all the time for various reasons, which means separating the panels from the rest of the saddle. Ds get attached between the panel and tree. I always try to get parts (Ds and straps) from the company that made the saddle so they look like they’ve always been there, colors match, and so on. Precise cost depends on the cost of materials and the saddle construction. Some saddles are constructed in ways easier to work with than others.
Thanks, everyone. We are in the middle of cubbing now, so I won’t be able to send my saddle off anywhere until the season is over in November. Does anyone have any recommendations on the East Coast? I am in NY, but would be willing to drive the saddle to PA or VA/MD to get the job done well.
There is a local leather guy who is pretty good but…I think I’d rather have it done by someone who is a professional with saddles in particular.
It’s a super easy job for any saddle fitter. We fitters “drop” panels all the time for various reasons, which means separating the panels from the rest of the saddle. D’s get attached between the panel and tree. I always try to get parts (D’s and straps) from the company that made the saddle so they look like they’ve always been there, colors match, and so on. Precise cost depends on the cost of materials and the saddle construction. Some saddles are constructed in ways easier to work with than others.
http://www.eastcrowsaddlery.com
I had mine done here. Also converted a foam saddle to wool - I highly recommend her.
Patty at East Crow
Smith Worthington
Dutchess Saddlery
Here, the local Amish do nice work. They are flattered when they get a high quality saddle and they take extra care. Some other Amish tend to just do a utilitarian job as if patching a work harness, so buyer beware!
I had mine done at Beval but Smith Worthington would be a good choice. Beval took a couple of weeks. I have been told SW’s turn around time is quick.
http://www.seaspiritoftheforest.co.uk/Saddlery/saddlepanel.html
Shows the steps to disassemble a saddle.
Here is a pic of the rear dees, which are nailed onto the saddle tree.
Interesting websites, but I would seriously caution anyone from trying it themselves! You don’t just want to use any old thread, for example, and your basic needles are not strong enough. When sewing up the front, it is easy to put the needle through the wrong place, marring your saddle. You want to pull the thread as tight as possible, but not so tight you break it and have to start over!
Just a few of the concerns I have about people sewing up their own panels.
Cannot say enough good things about Ann McGrail at Creative Saddler.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Creative-Saddler/112408615487943
Journeymen in Middleburg VA does a fabulous job. We had dees added to a saddle over the summer before our season started.
I sent sent to Pelham Saddlery. They did a great job.
^^sent mine
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