The Western Trick Riding set is officially done and is for sale on MH$P
here! I wish I could let it hang around for at least a few more days (I just wanna
look at it!), but hey, there's bills to be paid!
Loving the shiny leather collar!
The fenders have fast magnetic closures for a quick stirrup on-off. They're not adjustable in length, but they
are pretty, and since this doll never really interacts with the stirrups, I figured that magnetic closures would be appropriate here.
Heavy-width breast collar, which should adjust to fit on most traditional models. Vital for keeping the saddle in place for a real performer!
Itty-bitty hobble straps.
"Cossack drag" strap and heavy grey wool felt pad with a wither cut-out.
The corner cut-outs function as extra handles on real trick-riding saddles. The cantle is a Rio Rondo tree that has been modified via extensive sanding. Real-sized versions have low cantles for safety and ease of performing.
Riveted yoke-style rear cinch hardware and "rawhide" wrapped rear handles to stand up to heavy stunt work.
The underside of the saddle is real wool-on sheepskin (you know, to protect that hard-working model's back!)
The "rawhide"-wrapped extra-long horn is a Rio Rondo pommel modified with Apoxie sculpt. It serves as another handle for tricks. The reins have a buckle closure in the center. The placement of the reins behind the pommel is for the photo only, however. On a real horse, the reins would not be looped around the pommel. They usually just rest on the horse's neck throughout the performance.
Front and rear cinches are felt lined to be extra-nice to model tummies.
The doll, turns out, puts a bit of force on the saddle, which was causing it to lean to one side. So, I put a soft grippy liner beneath the saddle pad to help keep it firmly in place. Works like a charm, and is super soft. There is a similar kind of pad used on real endurance horses to keep the saddle in place on extra-sweaty horses!
"Chicago screws" on the bridle and a nice snaffle bit.
Working tongue buckles and keepers with lots of room for adjustment!
V-type browband for some western flair ;)
So.... shiny....
Here you can see the suede full-seat on her pants and the little thumb holes to keep her sleeves in place when she is doing tricks. She sure could use some dandruff shampoo back here! I wasn't quite as careful as I could have been with the back of her head when I was hairing her since you can't really see it when she is in place on the saddle. Also, I currently have a little strip of clear tape on the back of her saddle leg just to make sure the black suede doesn't rub off on the white saddle.
All together!
All together, I am very very
very happy with this set!
