Saddler Notes on iPhone: Tree Fit Measurements, Leather Sourcing & Commission Notes

Note-Taking for Saddlers

Saddlery is one of the most demanding leather crafts — custom saddles require precise tree fit to the horse's back, structural integrity for rider and mount safety, and aesthetic execution in leather carving, tooling, and finishing. A working saddler manages multiple active commissions at different production stages while sourcing premium leather and hardware.

Nemos keeps the technical and client knowledge layer organized across every commission.

What Saddlers Track

Tree and fit measurements: - Horse back measurement notes per client (wither width, back length, back profile) - Tree fit assessment notes from fitting sessions - Flocking adjustment notes (where padding was added or removed, why) - Fit recheck notes at follow-up fittings

Leather sourcing: - Hermann Oak, Wickett & Craig, Sedgwick and other premium tannery supplier notes - Hide grade and temper observations by application (seat leather, skirts, billets) - Bulk purchase notes and lot number tracking for color consistency - Exotic leather sourcing notes for special work

Construction and technique: - Rigging configuration notes per discipline (western, roping, endurance, English) - Stitching size and spacing notes by structural component - Tree covering technique notes - Seat shape and shaping notes per rider body type

Finishing and tooling: - Leather tooling design notes and carving sequence - Finish product layering notes (neatsfoot, conditioner, finish coat) - Color aging and antique finish approach notes

Commission: - Client horse and rider measurements - Disciplined use and expected load notes - Delivery timeline and deposit notes

Safety-Critical Documentation

Saddle construction is safety-critical — a failed billet or rigging attachment has serious injury potential. Notes on structural decisions, hardware specifications, and construction approaches are professional documentation that any serious saddler should maintain.

FAQ

What horse fit notes are most important? Wither width, back profile (flat, rocker, mutton), back length, and any asymmetry or pathology observations. These inform tree selection and should be updated whenever you see the horse again.

Should I document flocking adjustments? Yes — where and how much padding was added, and the fit problem it addressed. Saddle fit is a long-term relationship between saddler, horse, and rider; documented history informs future adjustments.

How do I track hardware specifications? D-ring gauge, rigging hardware weight rating, and supplier for structural components — particularly for specialty or high-stress applications like roping saddles.

What leather sourcing notes matter most? Lot number for color-matching on multi-piece commissions, and quality observations per hide — which lot had excellent temper vs. which was stiffer than expected.

Is Nemos useful for harness work? Yes — traces, collar sizing, hame specification notes, and tugs construction notes are all worth capturing for harness commissions.

How do I organize notes by commission? One summary note per commission (horse name or client name, measurements, specification, timeline, current stage) referenced from a master active commissions list.

Related Reading

• Leather Worker Notes on iPhone
• Farrier Notes on iPhone
• Cobbler Notes on iPhone
• Skilled Craft iPhone Workflow

Sources

• American Saddlery and Harness Association professional documentation
• Custom saddlery commission management practices
• Leather and saddlery construction standards for equestrian equipment