Clay Sharp's Saddles
Clay Sharp began building saddles after years as a certified farrier. This background gives him a unique understanding of how saddles fit horses, mules, and draft animals. Every saddle starts with a strong foundation and is built to feel good on a long ride. The goal is to create a saddle that you sit in, not on.
Get in Touch With Clay
Over 25+ Years of Experience
American Made
Highest Quality Materials
Building a Custom Saddle
A custom saddle starts with a strong foundation. We build on a wood tree covered in bullhide. The rawhide is laced on when wet, and it shrinks tight as it dries. This creates an extremely strong base.
We use only American-tanned leather for a product that lasts for years of hard use. The leather is colored during the tanning process, so it will not rub off on your clothes. Hardware is either brass or stainless steel. The ground seat is hand-carved to fit the rider's build. Every piece is hand-cut and fit for each saddle built one at a time. The stitching is placed in a groove to prevent wear. We use thick, bark-tanned wool shearling, never synthetics.
When you receive a custom saddle from us, it is already properly oiled. It will be ready to ride.
Our Work
Custom Horse Saddles
A good saddle fits both the rider and the horse. We build custom saddles for working cowboys, trail riders, and trainers. Each saddle is made to fit your specific terrain and riding style.
Custom Mule Saddles
Mules have unique backs that require a different approach to saddle fit. Our mule saddles are built with custom bars that follow the shape of the animal. This provides comfort and better performance.
Custom Draft Saddles
Fitting a draft horse for a saddle takes special knowledge. Our saddles are built on custom trees with bars sized for draft animals. The craftsmanship ensures a great fit that allows the horse to perform.
Custom Bags
Carry what you need on the trail. Our saddlebags are built from durable leather. They are made to last and handle rough use.
Breast Collars
A breast collar keeps the saddle from slipping back on steep terrain. Our breast collars are made with the same quality leather and care as our saddles.
The Art of Custom Saddle Building
A great saddle starts with the tree. We use a wood tree covered in bullhide. The strength comes from the bullhide. We lace it on wet with rawhide. As it dries, it shrinks and gets very hard. This makes a strong foundation. Don't be fooled by plastic or other materials.
We build different saddle tree styles. This includes Wade, Association, and Roper. They can be built with different bars for fit. This includes full quarter horse bars, semi QH bars, mule bars, or draft size bars. The proper angle and twist of the bars are important for horse comfort and performance.
Rider comfort is also important. If you are not comfortable, it affects the animal's back. When you place an order, we ask specific questions about your riding style. We also ask about the terrain you ride in, your height, and your weight. This helps us decide the right height and dish for the cantle. Fender length is matched to your inseam. Stirrup leathers are "freed-up" for maximum swing.
The leather we use is from USA cowhide, tanned in the USA. We use Wickett & Craig leather and can also use Hermann Oak. You can choose the leather weight. The color is added during the tanning process. This means the color will not rub off onto your clothes. We also use thick, bark-tanned wool shearling, not synthetics.
The saddle skirts are fitted and shaped to the tree. They are not simply nailed on flat. This gives a better fit for the horse. We use screws and nails in construction, never staples. Stitching is placed in a groove to prevent it from wearing out.
You can choose a wood post horn on any saddle tree style. A wood post horn is the strongest and lightest horn available. Each saddle is built one at a time. The leather is beveled, hand-rubbed, oiled, and sealed. Saddle strings are made of heavy, long latigo leather.
A custom saddle will weigh between 32 and 45 pounds. This depends on the seat length and leather weight. It also depends on what the saddle will be used for. When you get your new saddle, it will already be oiled and ready to ride.