Saddles

by Russel H. Beatie

Saddles is the first complete work on the subject to appear in print. It is an exhaustive survey, in words and more than eight hundred illustrations, of the one indispensable item of horse equipment, whose history began about the time the horse was domesticated, in the dim mists of unrecorded time.

More than history, Saddles also explains the construction of the basic saddle, describes the different saddle types, and explains how they have...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080611584X
• ISBN13: 9780806115849
• Release Date: May 1981
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
• Length: 408 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

Great Book

I'am very happy to have this book in my collection. Lots of great pictures and information.

This Book is a wonderful PART of a larger picture...

Mr. Beatie researched and wrote this book in the late 70's. I agree with other reviewers that there is some lack of information in certain areas. However, I urge those who treasure saddles for their artistry and historic value to forgive these criticisms and to see the book as it is--a beautifully presented depiction of the history of the saddle in the U.S. The author begins his book in earlier times, but quickly moves to this country. It is apparent that the author is in love with the western saddle for it is on this piece that he devotes most energy.I have collected, conserved, researched, and restored old saddles since I was 11 years old (I'm 41 now) and I can tell readers that in the 70's, and even until the last 12 years or less, it was very difficult to research saddlery due to the fact that one often needed to physically examine a saddle to secure one's own conclusions regarding its history, origin, and age. Often, photographs could not provide enough detail to offer conclusive information. Authors of saddlemaking and saddle collecting books in this decade are fortunate to have at their disposal the technology we now take for granted. Information is more accessible, and many saddle owners who were heretofore unknown are now able to connect across thousands of miles to share their knowledge with each other. And, there are now more of us out there, discovering these treasures in barns and attics.So, please, if you love saddlery, forgive Mr. Beatie for being on the forefront of the writers on this subject, forgive him for having published his book twenty-two years ago instead of two years ago, and enjoy this big, beautiful book for what it is--a splendid visual homage to the western saddle.

Old Western Saddles

The book "Saddles" was a once in a life time researh effort. The topic of saddles, by itself, is a small aspect of the American West but it had a very big impact just as the car does today. The saddle was like the seat in your car. If it was cheap, it did not last. If it did not fit, it did not feel good. Think of it, if you have a sore back from driving all day, you will cover fewer miles than if the seat in your car was very comfortable. The saddle had the same impact. If it was cheap and it did not fit, you could not cover ground for any period of time. So the saddle was very important to all citizens in the American West. Mr. Beatie knew several points of contacts that had excellent knowledge of the "American Saddle" heritage. Many of these contacts have passed away. Thier knowledge of saddles can be found in this book. The photos, that are in this book, cannot be found anywhere else. If Mr. Beatie had not included the drawings or photos,(some of them, not all) you would not find them anywhere (not even at the Smithonian Museum). This book gives us a distant view of what the cowboy, cavalry trooper and pioneer all had in common, saddles and horses. You can see that the people of the 16th to the 20th century were as concerned about saddles as we are about cars today. A great book for a narrow topic, however, despite that, we can still see something we have in common with our past. May you rest in peace Mr. Beatie you covered this topic very well.

THE authoritative guide for collectors and beginners.

This book contains hundreds of photos and inllustrations of the construction, evolution and variation of the saddle. Content focuses on the western saddle with ample photographs of famous saddles. The beginner will learn the parts of the saddle, proper selection, use, fit and how to care for a saddle. Collectors will find the guide an invaluable resource for dating and identifying saddles and their makers. The book stays on topic and does not deal with horsemanship or bitting.

Excellent research material for reproducing antique saddles.

Provides hundreds of detailed photos and drawings from the first saddles in history to modern day. Great detail on construction and styles. The bibliography lists tons of book titles and their authors that the information was compiled from. Also, a long list of early saddlemakers listed by state. Helpful in identifying possible age for antique saddles. This is THE book on saddles! Truly, a rare find!