I have been wanting to make bareback pads for a long time. It was one of those things that I would think about, think about the process, and then not seem to be able to find time for. Finally, I made some time.
I started out by making a pad shape pretty much like I make western saddle pads. I made 2 versions of this one before I liked how it came out (the first had fleece instead of felt on the underside and "piping" sewn in... which was a hot mess!). In general, designing this part of the project was super simple. Sewing is the part I am good at.
Next I had to work out how to put a girth on. This was the first attempt. I did not like the ribbon on the edge, the handle was too big and the straps just looked kind of sloppy.
I got some different materials and I liked this version a lot better. Though it still needed a girth.
The next day I was planning on tackling the girth. The largest buckles Rio Rondo carries are still too small for the ribbon I got to make the girth from. Poop. Now I had to rethink everything. Again.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QHLxBu3aKnBcik7AUlwYF7oS8xOP_d00osYSyDoC7fr5un5HQcf2z8K4puu6dHTSMJO9RhCv8dCrn8AvbZBkkIh5AbmCoyjoMCGzXqA9IVc1ftdPRWu9V9H3hzAaNQa2C3lg7wLBPd2g/s320/E99D6098-A83B-4B4F-B0A1-41FF0A8AAF3B.jpeg)
And I really love how this came together. I asked Jennifer Buxton for her tack makers opinion on things and she said I should make a shorter girth so the buckles end up lower. She says if the buckle is here on the real thing it is very uncomfortable. Good to know.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoHtNItGGRQr7rnUSxGVe6VKhl9DseaotMNTK28DssArGh9bPb9kLfOFgciJsHM9fJ1Z7OBVgN_X-7rEGJDUag-Jjsik4rvR8LpFPHqLHU2D1NvediaMKmlKO5kDecWORVx-74lmakLcM/s320/BCF0ABEB-B6C1-4794-873B-FA4E3B27831E.jpeg)
So this set will get tweaked a bit more. Once I shorten the girth and make new straps I can start to work on some more bareback pads. I want to offer these at my live sale.
My current plan is to make them all in black with different colors of trim. I think that can really streamline my process. Later on I will likely do other color combos. But for now I think I'll try to keep it a bit simple.
1 comment:
Love the bareback pads!
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