Stablemate Scale Saddle!

When Anna Kirby of Dreamflite Design mentioned that she was going to do another saddle tutorial, I was one of many people to show a lot of interest in it. I already owned one of her saddles, (made several years ago) and was utterly gobsmacked at how detailed it was. Not only did it have real WORKING buckles but everything looked exactly as it should.

Here it is being modelled by 'EA Turkish Brandy'



Anyway, the idea of a tutorial that would allow me to make something similar really appealed to me so you can imagine how chuffed I was when I was asked to be one of the guinea pigs and try out the 'beta version' before it was published for everyone. I got the guide emailed to me last night and used it this afternoon whilst watching two of my favourite series of Blackadder. I didn't have any leather thin enough to cover the back panels but I rather like the contrast the lighter leather has against the black so it's staying like this for now.

There are a few spots of glue and things that need touched up and apologies for the crappy photos - by the time I'd finished it, the light had gone so I was forced to use artifical lighting which I absolutely loathe.













Now that I had a saddle, I thought I may as well do a bridle to match. I and the glue had some arguments, the buckles are too big and the reins too short but it definitely beats my first attempt at 1/32nd scale bridling and vaguely looks the part so I'm happy! XD



I didn't have any sticky wax so the bit is held in place by a bit of 'Pritt Stik' glue stick! XD



I'll hopefully be entering this horse and tack combo in a performance class at the MHL live in a couple of weeks and under UK rules, I'd need a rider, so...





He's a repainted and slightly resculpted Britains motorcylist I found in the 2nd hand drawer at my local model shop years ago. I always knew he'd come in handy!



The saddle rose up on the back here which I didn't notice until now so rest assured, it does sit on there properly!



I'll probably make him a body protector and Brandy a breastcollar or something to go with it...



So yeah, an afternoon well spent I reckon! MASSIVE thanks to Anna for making such a fantastic tutorial and something tells me it won't be the last time I make use of it! :D

I've still got LOADS of bodies to paint up for the show (for my showstring and sales table alike) and haven't even started working out who I'm taking and putting in each class but this is technically productive action...right? :P