Customer Reviews

Saddles

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

SADDLES is a laviously illustrated book dealing predominately with Western Saddles. It does cover other things like saddle development from prehistoric times, riding mechanics, sidesaddles, English saddles, American Cavalry Saddles, and famous saddles. Still, it spends most of its time on Western Saddles and this is its strength.

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!

Excellent book. Was a wee bit disappointed that Mr. Beatie chose to focus so heavily on western saddles, but still enjoyed the book and will treasure it as a remarkable resource.

I recieved this book as a gift and was SO EXCITED.
I wished to learn more about old saddles, dates, maufacturing, types, etc.
I was really dissapointed when I sat down to read it.
It was very vauge...not at all what I was expecting.
And NOT WORTH $50.00 (to me).

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

When I first read this book a few years ago, I was very dissapointed at the fact that Mr Beatie has not given credit to the true creator, the mexican horseman, of the so called "western saddle". I would rather recommend a study on saddles done by the Smithsonian Institite. Mr Russel's book, like many other books on western culture is full of bias. This book is not worth the price.

I recieved this book as a gift and was SO EXCITED.
I wished to learn more about old saddles, dates, maufacturing, types, etc.
I was really dissapointed when I sat down to read it.
It was very vauge...not at all what I was expecting.
And NOT WORTH (the money) (to me).