Saddle Latigos

Instructor: Matt Wanner
Course Length: 8 Minutes | Lessons: 7
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Build a strong, dependable saddle latigo.                                                                        In this quick, practical course, Matt Wanner walks you step by step through creating a durable saddle latigo—the long leather strap used to tighten the cinch and hold the saddle firmly in place.

You’ll learn how to select the right leather, cut and prepare the strap properly, and finish it for strength and longevity. Matt also shares practical shop tips to ensure your latigo performs under tension and holds up to real-world use. Whether you’re building a new saddle or replacing a worn strap, this class gives you a straightforward, repeatable process.

Short, focused, and highly practical, this is a skill every saddle maker and serious leatherworker should have in their toolkit.

About the Instructor                                                                                                            Matt Wanner has more than 15 years of experience in the saddle industry and has built over 100 saddles. As President of Production for Burns Saddlery, he oversees manufacturing while continuing to refine his craft. Known for his practical approach and attention to structural detail, Matt focuses on building saddles and components that perform reliably in real-world conditions.