At the suggestion of Henry Silva, I decided to give deer hide a try for the saddles.  I was forced into it one day when the hair slipped on a hide I was hoping to preserve with the hair on.  Also, the cow rawhide I was using to cover a repaired tree was being uncooperative.  From now on, I think I will prefer deer rawhide for these saddles.  It was truly wonderful to work with.  I now process 2-5 deer hides per week as they are available from friends who hunt.

My photos reveal more of the steps I take when wrapping a tree.  From designing a pattern out of fabric, clamping the hide around the horn for stitching, to drying the strands under tension, my goal is to show “how” I do it.  Thanks for looking.