Basic Saddle

I invite you to browse this sampling of my work; I work with Hermann Oak Leather, hand-made saddle trees and fine hardware. I take the fine leather, case and slick it, tightening the fibers so it will wear well, be beautiful, and become a finished product you will cherish. Folds are done with proper moisture content so that the fibers are not injured. All laps are done with a long taper and are skived to a feather's edge. Stitching is done with either nylon or linen thread, the edges are rounded and polished. Finally, it is oiled with pure Neatsfoot oil and given a protective finish. Careful attention is given to each step. The process is not a fast process, but is satisfying, knowing that the leather is being enhanced to its utmost.

May this web site serve as my catalog: Pictured on these pages are saddles and gear that I have made for my other customers. Each one has been carefully made to meet that person's needs. Now I want to make gear to meet your needs. I welcome you to call me, Bob Klenda, at 970-878-5382. I enjoy working with my customers, your ideas transformed into leather will produce an art piece built for rugged use that is beautiful enough to be in a showcase.

Saddle Construction

I don’t take any short cuts or skimp on materials. I expect to use at least 2 ½ sides of skirting for a saddle, the stirrup leathers are cased, slicked and stretched. The parts are cut from the parts of the hides where they will be workable for being put on the tree and will wear well once the saddle is used. I shape each ground seat to match the customers build and needs, providing the correct contour to fit the customer's anatomy. The seats are narrow in front then flare out to the points of the cantle so that there is a good place for your pin bones to locate.

The stirrup leathers are hung over the bars in relation to the size of seat so that the rider can stand comfortably in the stirrups. All edges are rounded and rubbed to a neat smooth finish.

A base priced saddle consists of:

Hermann Oak Leather, either plain out or flesh side out (if flesh side out I normally slick it down to a neat smooth finish) fully equipped, oiled with pure neatsfoot oil and is ready to ride. Specifications are: Your choice of tree, Round skirts with bark tanned woolskin lining, regular straight up cantle binding, no padded seat, 1 ¾” double and stitched flank billets, 3 1/2” double and stitched flank cinch, leather covered stirrups, up to 3” wide, 3” full length stirrup leathers, Blevins quick change stirrup buckles, fenders are pre-turned, regular leather covered horn, double “D” rigging with stainless steel dees, 1 ¾” x 6 ½’ latigo, 1 ¾” x 6’ half breed, DL 69 mohair roper cinch with stainless steel buckles, 5’ front, 6’ rear saddle strings and leather conchos.

Base Price $3,250.00

$1,000.00 deposit required when saddle order is placed, payments accepted during lead time. Saddle must be at least 75% paid for when construction starts and paid for in full before shipment is made.
If at least one half of saddle cost is paid at time of order, Bob will ship the saddle prepaid within the continental US.

Saddle Trees My saddle trees are made by Lorenzo Javalera,


Click on tree photos for larger views. Each tree is made to exacting specifications. Lorenzo not only shapes the bars of each tree to fit the horse, but makes the top side so I can provide the rider with close contact to the horse and have a narrow seat as well.
picture of Lorenzo at work

Satisfaction Guaranteed on all Klenda saddles and tack.
I guarantee my workmanship to be of the finest caliber, my saddles to fit the customer and the type of horses they are built for. If for any reason you have a problem with a piece of my equipment, call me. We’ll discuss it and decide what can be done about it. I want you to be satisfied.

Looking forward to serving you,

Bob Klenda

Saddle Maker

Bob carefully stitching a queen sash.

Klenda Custom Saddlery

Saddle Maker