The Leather Love Blog

Copyright © 2012 Native Pony & Cob Saddles

Saddle fitting can be a difficult process and you should contact a specialist saddle fitter if you have doubts or problems with a saddle, nevertheless, there are some basics things that all horse riders should know regarding saddle fitting as it can help identify saddle fitting problems. The following are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding saddle fitting:

1. How can I tell if my saddle is too long?
The saddle should not sit past the horse’s last rib, this is because if it does it can cause pressure on the kidneys and result in the horse bucking along with it causing your horse a sore back.

2. How can I check if my saddle is the correct width?
a) The saddle should sit level on a horse’s back. If the flattest part of the seat is tipping forwards it is likely to mean the saddle is too wide, whereas if this part of the seat is tipping backwards it likely to mean the saddle is too narrow.
b) Check the height of the pommel from the horse’s withers; the gap between the two should be around 3 ladies fingers (about an inch and a half).

3. How can I check my saddle tree?
a) Seat of the tree – hold the cantle against your stomach (abdomen area) and pull the pummel back towards the cantle to see if it flexes. If it flexes so much that the seat creases, and/or there is creaking noise, take it to your local saddler to get it checked.
b) Arch of the tree (the pummel) – see if you can flex the head either in or out. This part of the saddle should not flex. Also run your fingers under the arch to see if there is anything sharp there; if the arch is cracked or broken then sometimes metal will be pushing through the leather. If this part is damaged it is also likely to make a noise. If in doubt a competent saddle fitter or saddler should be able to advise if the arch is damaged.

4. How can I tell what length my saddle is?
Get a tape measure and measure from the centre of the nail head to the centre of the cantle, if you have an old fashion saddle without a cut back head then measure from cantle to pommel in a straight line.

5. Can I check the saddle without riding in it?
No, the saddle needs to be ridden to check it properly, many saddles appear to tick all the boxes for a correct saddle fit but then when used for riding it goes wrong! It’s a bit like buying clothes or shoes in a size that you know fits without trying the clothes or shoes on to check if they fit correctly and are comfortable. With a saddle there is both rider and horse comfort to consider, when checking you can do the following:
a) Ride the horse with the saddle only in a walk at first to make sure it is safe to continue.
b) Try the horse in a trot to see if the saddle stays on the horses back, i.e. check for excessive movement as this can cause bruising when saddles bounce at the back. Saddle movement can also be a symptom of a saddle being too wide, or the wrong tree for this particular horse, or simply that the saddle needs re-flocking.

6. Why does my saddle slip from side-to-side?
If a saddle slips from side to side the problem is often caused by the tree of the saddle being too curved for the type of horse you ride, or too narrow so that the saddle is perched on top of the horse and wobbling. If you have any doubts you should contact a specialist saddle fitter.

Andrea Hicks is a saddle fitter and designer, she developed The Native Pony Saddle Company range for wider horses and ponies and has been fitting saddles for over 20 years. Her designs include Phoenix Saddles for native ponies, Warmbloods, Arabs, Icelandics and Iberian horses. http://www.nativeponysaddles.com/ http://www.phoenixsaddles.com/

In March of last year I spent a couple of days in a five star hotel for an event I was attending. I remember being greeted and checked in by the friendly staff and taking an elevator to the tenth floor. Walking in I gazed around a bit and raised by eyebrows in acknowledgement that these were some nice digs. The bathroom had a large tub and a standing shower with a sliding door window that opened to the head of the very plush bed. The usual furniture of a drawer, seats, and a desk were also present. I remember setting my laptop atop the desk’s desk blotter. I placed my stuff on the foot of the bed and started working. I removed some paper from the notepad holder and started jotting down my itinerary for the next couple of days. Sitting at the desk I remember admiring the polished wood, the leather stationary; I thought, “Wow, this is one nice hotel.”

The hospitality industry, besides providing first class service, must also look the part of providing first class service. When walking into your hotel room you have to be impressed by what you see. Even after a long journey and you’re tired and worn out, the room has to have a welcoming feeling to it. Otherwise the hotel has failed in making you feel like you can comfortably kick of your shoes, lie down, and make it your home away from home for a while. It’s all about presentation. Every aspect of that room has been carefully chosen to fit the décor of the hotel as a whole and to enhance the appeal of the room. Leather desk blotter, leather coasters, leather notepad holder; for five star hotels, to have anything less would be unacceptable. For the price one would pay for a nice room, it’s only proper that the room is expensively adorned.

What makes people appreciate such items in a hotel room? Aren’t they just better constructed office supplies? Maybe. But it’s part of the charm that completes a hotel room. For business travelers, they want to work at a desk that somewhat resembles their own. If they’re showing up to work wearing suits and ties that cost them several hundred dollars, odds are their own offices and desks have also been expensively decorated. For those of us not fortunate to have offices or desks like that, it makes us feel like a big shot. While working at a hotel room desk I can feel as if I’m running a business of my very own. Or at the very least, playing an important part of a major company. I can order food to be delivered to my room and the server can wheel the room tray in and I can eat at my leisure.

This is the kind of attention and sensation of being part of high society that makes such objects necessary. Hotels know that first class service is not only about the service, but the perception as well.

At www.ShildCompany.com you can find everything from genuine leather check covers, menu covers, restaurant covers , menu sleeves, woods & metals. You name it and we’ll put your menu inside it!

Every woman has been through a dilemma of not having anything suitable to wear to a special occasion. At least once in our life we have been in a situation where we need to go to a special date straight from the office. It may sound amusing, but even a very capable woman becomes a quivering mess when faced with this situation. But cunning planning and the right accessory can easily fix this problem. That is why every woman should have in their wardrobe, accessories that are versatile, like black leather handbags.

A black leather handbag is like a plaster we have in our medicine cupboard, it should always be available in case of an emergency. A classic design black leather handbag can go with most outfits. And it can save you a fortune, since you don’t need to buy a hand bag to match every colour shoes you have.

How to turn casual to glam

If you need to go to a hot date straight from the office, you don’t need to bring a complete set of clothes to change into. The simplest way to do it is to wear a black skirt with matching soft black jacket and white vest to work. Take with you a black satin vest, fishnet stockings, a strappy stilettos and jewellery to match. With your matching black leather handbag, all you need to do is re-touch your make up and you are ready to wow your date. Show him that you don’t need ages to get ready because you are confident that you can look great anytime.

How to choose the right leather handbags

Leather handbags, like bank accounts, are not made equal. So choose well. Buy the best that you can afford. Choose a handbag that is made of soft leather. Hard leather will crack over time and will make your handbag look tatty.

Don’t buy one just because it looked good on the display stand. Before parting with your hard cash, consider how you are going to use the bag. Will you use it every day or just for week-ends? Is it just for emergency? If you are going to use it every day, you need to make sure it can take your phone, your keys, hair brush, make up and all the other things you carry with you; like diary, notebooks and pens.

Many leather handbags are made with different compartments so it’s easy for you to organise your stuff and you don’t have to rummage inside your handbag every time you need something.

Also, make sure that you buy a handbag that is proportionate to your size. If you are petite, a big handbag will over power your frame. On the other hand, if you are tall, you don’t want a very small handbag that looks like it is pretending to be a purse. It will emphasise your height.

Finally, make sure that your handbag sits comfortably on your shoulder. The last thing you want is to walk around with an annoying handbag that keeps slipping off your shoulder every time you move.

More information on leather handbags.

Years ago while working with Boeing in Seattle WA I learned to fly a single engine plane. The things I remember most about that time were my first solo flight and walking around in my leather flight jacket, an authentic replica of the original. It made me feel about 10 feet tall. These are the same jackets Hollywood made famous in movies with daredevil fighter pilots in sexy leather aviator uniforms. It’s 60 years since those first John Wayne movies and people are still fascinated by the look today.

The earliest aviators like legendary Charles Lindbergh flew in open cockpit planes exposed to cold, wind and rain, the obvious need was for clothing that was warm, weatherproof and hard-wearing. In 1917 the Army solved the problem when they issued their pilots with the classic A2 Aviator jackets, they were an immediate success; and a legend was born! Made from thick cowhide leather they were heavy but comfortable and actually improved with wear.

The name aviator fell out of favor in later years and they’re now most often referred to as bomber or flight jackets. This innovative design, which looks totally 21st century, was a real breakthrough; up till then military uniforms were more often styled for appearance than utility. The Army shearling aviator jacket worked so well it was later adopted by the Navy which issued similar designs with shearling collars for their pilots and Marines.

Pilots wearing aviator jackets on cross country mail flights in the 1920′s, and Lindbergh was one of them, secured the enduring popularity of leather flight jackets. The original style remained largely unchanged right up to the 2nd world war. Since then some design changes, slide in hand warmer pockets for example, have improved the comfort but they’ve stayed remarkably true to the original style.

Crews of WW2 bombers endured long distance unheated flights so the need for warm jackets continued but later aircraft improvements allowed for the use of lighter softer goatskin leather which is still used today. Top Gun pilots wear pressure suits while flying now but on the ground they are proud to carry on wearing regulation issue flight jackets very similar to the 1917 design.

The hard wearing quality of leather means that favorite jackets are worn for many years and in time take on a look as individual as their owners; in a way they express their owners adventurous personalities. It’s the unique qualities of the uniform that make them envy of the military world, you stand out as an individual in a crowd. It’s many years since I flew a plane but I still feel great wearing the jacket.

The design makes a man look slim and sexy regardless of body size. It accentuates the ideal masculine triangle of broad shoulders and slim hips which is the outline that women find so attractive. The leather gives a rugged, masculine outdoor look. They were made for pilots to be comfortable while seated for long flights in confined spaces but the looser fit means they’re flattering to larger men and which is another reason why the style remains so popular with all ages. Driving a car or a plane this style is a firm favorite for comfort.

The timeless styles of the A2 Bomber, G1 Flight and the B3 Bomber Jacket are still standard issue for Air Force, Naval and Marine Officers today. They are symbols of Honor, Legend, Adventure and Manliness. By wearing an authentic design bomber jacket you honor the heritage of the men who changed the course of history and made our world a better, safer place.

Vintage clothing is a fun and unique way to show off your personal style. Spring is an especially fun time to explore vintage fashion; most of us associate springtime with more flirty, girly, feminine clothes, which are often in abundance at vintage shops. But how do you best accessorise your girly vintage dresses for spring? Fortunately, the options are almost endless.

One natural way to accessorise vintage dresses is with a great vintage bag. Look for handbag styles that complement the shape and style of your dress; a structured, short-handled handbag looks appropriate and ladylike with a full-skirted 1950s-era day dress. Likewise, a crocheted or fabric hobo bag goes perfectly with a more bohemian, flowing 1970s maxi dress. How about a demure clutch for a chic vintage gown, or a straw and bamboo bag for casual outings? Handbags are the ideal finishing touch for fun vintage outfits, and you can have a lot of fun experimenting with different looks.

Another fun accessory is jewellery. The right piece of jewellery can really showcase a girly spring dress. Think about dramatic and fun cocktail rings, classic brooches, pearl chokers and Bakelite bangles. Necklaces can be delicate and demure or bold and dramatic, depending on your dress and your style. Even vintage watches can add a little more sparkle and drama to an outfit. The possibilities go on and on. Pair your favourite piece of vintage jewellery with a bright spring dress for a fresh and feminine seasonal style, perfect for everything from running errands to special occasions.

Of course, shoes are an important part of any stylish outfit, and vintage looks are no exception. For spring, sandals and open-toe styles are more popular, and they run the gamut from wedges to patent leather. Classic ballet flats, lace-up ankle boots and ladylike pumps are everywhere, too. You’re sure to find the perfect shoe to accessorise any vintage spring dress.

When considering accessories, don’t overlook the importance of your hair. Hair can be a fun way to really highlight your style. You can often find jewelled or embellished hair clips and headbands that complement vintage dress styles, many of which can be used with long or short hair. For a more dramatic change, consider a hairpiece for accentuating your girly spring look. Hairpieces can be pinned into existing hairstyles to create longer or thicker ponytails, chignons or braided buns. These feminine styles pair well with girly vintage dresses.

In the end, accessorising your outfit is about being creative, having fun and enjoying your own style. Spring is a great time to experiment, as we’re all shedding our outdoor layers, hats and boots and can more easily show off our clothes, shoes, hairstyles and other accessories.

One of the great things about leather luggage bags is their stylistic versatility. No matter what look you are going for, you can incorporate leather into your ensemble. Leather is also durable so you never need to worry about your outfit coming to pieces. Join me, as I explore some of the stylistic implications of leather.

For a professional looking accessory, I would suggest a leather men’s wallet. The finest designers, from Calvin Klien to Stella McCartney, all make leather wallets. Leather is the ideal material for wallets because it can stretch and bend without breaking. If your wallet is bursting at the seams with cards, IDs, change, and receipts, you should consider upgrading to a leather wallet. It also looks professional so you need not fear embarrassment when you reach into your pocket for your wallet after a business lunch. If you know someone climbing the corporate ladder, get them a leather men’s wallet.

A leather backpack can be a great accessory if you are going for a more rebellious, punk rock look. Leather jackets, bracelets, boots and collars have long been associated with the punk rock aesthetic. Recently, leather backpacks have become fashionable among the more rebellious set. A leather backpack not only looks great but it can hold your smokes, black eyeliner, combat boots, and anything else you may need to take with you. Leather backpacks are available in all colors, shapes and sizes so you are sure to find one to match your favorite leather jacket.

If you are going for a preppier look I would suggest a leather tote bag. Walk down Madison Avenue any given weekend and you will see all the society ladies doing their weekend shopping with a leather tote bag draped over their shoulder. It denotes a certain upper-class sophistication. Unlike those free tote bags you get for donating money to PBS or NPR, a leather tote bag tells the world, “I can pay for my own tote bag, thank you very much.”

If nerd chic is more your style, why not try a leather laptop case? It lets the world know you are tech savvy but still have some style and social skills. It is great for picking up fellow nerds at computer game premiers, technology conventions, and the comic book store. Just because you are a nerd, it doesn’t mean you have to die alone. Get a leather laptop bag and be the most stylish nerd at the Battlestar Gallactica re-enactment.

http://www.leatherluggageplus.com is an online retailer specializing in fine leather products, such as leather luggage bags and leather laptop bags. Travel in style without spending a fortune on genuine leather bags.

Chrome bar stools have continued to be popular in spite of the design trends that have evolved over the years. Stylish chrome matched with a variety of retro looking seats is reminiscent of the daring Googie look that came out in the 1960s.

Today there is a return to the nostalgia of the past and stools that have been recreated to remind us of the cosmic inspired furniture from half a century ago are making a come-back. Shoppers have a broad selection of styles in basic black and the chrome bar stool. Black leather and leather look upholstered seats are available in geometric shapes such as the cone and the rectangle.

Ice cream scoop shapes made in metallic- toned semi transparent acrylic would look perfectly at home in an outer space inspired ice cream parlor. It shines boldly while it complements the cornucopia of shapes and materials that rest on top of the chrome pedestal base.

The metal coating is made from chromium which is a type of metal that is used to furniture, automobile fixtures, water faucets and many other items that are usually made of copper or nickel. It exudes a sense of crisp cleanliness. It looks suitable both in the bathroom, kitchen, dining room and garage. It is produced in either a shiny or brushed finish.

Historically speaking chromium oxide was first used by the Chinese over two thousand year’s ago to coat their bronze crossbow bolts and steel swords. By coating steel with chromite it has the desirable properties of hardness and anti-corrosion resistance. In 1827 large deposits of Chromite were found near Baltimore Md which helped the US to become the largest producer of chromium products for about twenty years. Large deposits of chromium were discovered in Turkey which helped the country’s economy also.

The visual allure of shiny chromite carries a message of optimism. The booming economic time after World War II created a sense of optimism and desire to discover more about Outer Space. Chrome added flash and glitz to the automobile on the roads as well as the innovative bar stools found in so many restaurants and night clubs. The shapes of the seats became more Googie looking where geometric shapes played a major role.

The chromite coated barstool was ubiquitous in soda fountains and bars as well as people’s homes. The shiny look created a sense of a positive future where the American Dream would continue to prosper. People experienced a sense of pride and optimism and the eye catching sculptures that designer were creating needed to be put everywhere.Hood ornaments today are highly valued and fetch a good price.

The shiny surface feels smooth and smart under one’s hand. Very little is needed to add to a room when this metal has been integrated. If you have quite a bit of work in your hands alone, their decorators know how to recreate minimalist furniture that balances well with the interior.

Chrome bar stools are available in many styles and the most popular are the vintage retro pieces from the 1940s and 50s where the metallic coating inspired the introduction of the futuristic look of the 1960s. For about 30 years this style became less popular as modern plastics were being used in interior design and cars to name a few. The Googie style furniture is making a comeback and chromite is being used again to highlight this upbeat style.

A leather sofa means comfort and luxury. Being able to own a great piece of furniture like a recliner leather chair or leather sofa sets means that you are in a position of at least moderate wealth. However, if your sofas and loveseats are looking a little ragged, even if they are leather, they can bring down the feeling of luxury in your room.

But throughout the years your leather sofa or chair is bound to get a little beat up, especially when you have kids, pets, and a busy lifestyle. There are things that you just forget to do, taking care of your leather furniture is one of them.

Here are a few tips that you can use to keep your leather looking clean and bright.

First, don’t make a rookie mistake. Never use water to clean your leather. It will absorb any kind of moisture like water that is put on it, and over time, this absorbing and then the subsequent drying can cause your leather to become brittle and will cause cracks. This is easily avoided. You can find in many stores nowadays wipes that are made specifically to clean leather. They come in large canisters which should last you a good long while as leather doesn’t need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Only use it if your sofa is visibly dirty.

If you’re still worried about water getting into or onto your sofa, you can apply a leather protectant to your leather furniture. Check to see what kind of leather your furniture is covered in and make sure you buy a liquid leather protector which is made specifically for that type. This will help to keep water and moisture away from your leather.

Keep your furniture away from direct sunlight which can cause discoloration and also cracking in leather. You should also be sure that you aren’t keeping it against a heater or an air conditioner. Leather needs a constant temperature to be kept in pristine condition. Any extreme condition should be avoided at all costs.

Some other things you can do include keeping sharp objects off the couch. That means no coupon clipping on the sofa! Scissors and knives will cause rips and tears in the leather that will only grow bigger over time. You should also keep up with the dust on your sofa to keep it looking its best.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to keep your leather furniture looking luxurious and fantastic for years to come!

TheClassyHome.com offers affordable furniture for the home, including sectional sofas and loveseats, entertainment centers, and coffee tables.

To develop a cool and stylish punk jacket, find a jacket to style up, pick your studs, tag the placement of your studs and screw them onto your jacket, attach other components, and finish your jacket by painting a few designs.

The punk jacket is one of the most fashionable outfits you can use, and one of the cutest punk baby clothes your baby could wear to unveil your trendy punk style. On top of that, you can simply create a personalized punk jacket with your own ideas and distinctive, individual style for you and also for your children. Listed below are simple steps you can follow to create a fashionable punk jacket:

Look for a jacket to trend up

First of all, you need to get a thick, simple jacket, typically black or dark in color, to decorate. You can choose a jeans or perhaps leather jacket purchased from any store or find one that has long been stocked up in your wardrobe. You may even use an old camo military jacket or a blazer to begin with.

Choose your studs

Once you have your jacket prepared, choose the studs you desire to adorn your jacket with. The number, styles, sizes, and also the positioning of the studs will all rely on your own creativity and style. Just make sure you do not find the jacket unpleasant to use, especially if you are making one for your own child.

Mark the position of your studs and screw them to your jacket

Utilizing a masking tape or marker, show where you desire to attach on the studs. Using a sharp carpet knife, develop a small cut through your jacket. The size of the cut needs to be just enough for the end of the stud to endure. When utilizing a denim jacket, you can stick a little portion of duct tape about the labeled spot before you make a cut to prevent possible wearing of the fabric as time passes. Then, connect the studs to your jacket, and screw them properly in place.

Affix some other accessories

Modify your own punk jacket using other accessories, such as patches, buttons, and also chains. You could sew on or glue patches of your favorite music group or logo. Buttons may also be linked over pockets, collars, and anywhere you want. Chains might also be sewn or just hooked on your jacket’s side pocket. The other end of the chain could be connected to the pocket of your jeans or your wallet for a cooler punk look.

Complete your jacket by painting several styles

Finally, you could complete your trendy punk jacket by painting a few designs on it. Use acrylic pens or fabric paint to inscribe favorite slogans and sketch punk images. Although you have the freedom to show what you desire, it will be a better idea to pick slogans and images that are not offensive and those ideas you believe and really understand.

Just make sure you do not over-accessorize your own jacket. Don’t involve whatever motto and image you do not even understand simply to make it trendy as well as stylish. Remember, being punk is not just creating a cool look, but it is also about fighting for something you truly believe in and wearing it.

Written by Patricia Strasser. If you’re thinking about allowing your little one wear a punk jacket the same as yours, you may also take a look at a few punk baby clothes at http://www.crazybabyclothing.com/punk-baby-clothes.html

The Mod look was popular in the 1960′s and was characterised by sharp suits, fishtail parkas, trilby hats, winklepicker shoes and other mens accessories. Add lambretta scooters and all night clubs and you had a look which says young, hip and trendy. This trend has been revived several times before and has become popular again but in the 21st century.

Mod style was about looking flash, riding customised scooters and going to all night dances. This was a sophisticated form of fashion where the emphasis was on wearing bespoke Italian suits, listening to up to the minute tunes and engaging in fights with rockers.

So how do you recreate this Italian inspired look?

21st century mod

The mod look disappeared towards the end of the 60′s but has since been revived with a 21st century twist. The 60′s mod was about striped polo shirts, the 3 button suit and the Chelsea boot whereas his 21st century counterpart wears a one button striped blazer, skinny fit jeans and a classic Ben Sherman polo shirt.

Add a few carefully chosen accessories such as designer cufflinks, tie pin and a slim leather belt. But you may want to give the army issue parka complete with RAF roundel a miss!

The aspiring female mod chooses boxy jackets, geometric patterned shift dresses and capri pants in a range of colours and styles. This is accompanied by a short, boyish hair style, plenty of mascara and a few items of jewellery, e.g. earrings and bangles.

Fashion themes come and go and this one has reappeared several times albeit in different guises. Skinny jeans are popular with young men at the moment as are slim fit shirts, narrow ties and suits with thin lapels and drainpipe trousers. But these can only be worn by young men with a razor thin physique.

The power of advertising

The mod look can be seen with this year’s ‘Mad Men’ theme which was inspired by the popular TV series set in a New York advertising agency in the 1960′s. It contains hints of mod dressing with the sharp suits and trilby hats for the men and brightly patterned shift dresses and boxy jackets and short skirts for the women.

If you were a fan of the hit TV series then why not recreate the ‘Don Draper’ look for yourself. Men should choose sharp tailored suits, trilbies and three quarter length overcoats. These should be in shades of black, navy or grey pinstripe.

Women should go for blouses with three quarter length sleeves, leopard print A-line/pencil skirts and funky ankle boots. Express yourself with bold colours, geometric patterns or two tone ‘black and white’. Another option is a pair of calf length cigarette pants, flat ballet pumps and a sleeveless top.

Tateossian was established in 1990 by Robert Tateossian, whose own international lifestyle and keen sense of aesthetics is at the heart of the company’s success. To learn about our silver cufflinks visit http://www.tateossian.com/Mens/Cufflinks/Silver_cufflinks