Five Days to a Finished Saddle: Three Students. Three Masters. Three Saddles.

Five Days to a Finished Saddle

Three Students. Three Masters. Three Saddles.

The Most Exclusive Class in Pendleton Leather Show History

Some opportunities teach skills.

Others become part of your story.

For the first time ever at an industry event, three students will undertake the challenge of building a complete saddle in just five days while working directly alongside Matt Wanner, Trevor Alexander, and Dusty Smith.

This ambitious experience combines elite instruction, premium materials, and one-on-one mentorship in a way that's never been offered before.

Each day presents new challenges and milestones as students progress through the entire saddle-building journey—from the foundational work of the ground seat and skirts to rigging, cantle binding, horn work, oiling, and final assembly. Every step is supported by craftsmen who have dedicated their careers to mastering the art of saddle making.

The result?

A finished saddle that combines your work with the guidance and assistance of a master saddle maker.

A week spent learning from some of the finest makers in the industry.

And an experience that simply cannot be replicated through books, videos, or traditional classes.

Student tuition is $6,000 and includes all materials, exclusive Saddle Maker’s Swag Bag, access to Tool Table event, daily meals, and LIFETIME ACCESS to Matt Wanner's How to Build a Saddle course on Learn with Illume.

Is This Class Right for You?

This is an intensive, hands-on saddle-building experience and is not intended as a beginner saddle-making course. By registering for this class, I certify that I:

• Possess a basic understanding of saddle construction, components, and terminology.
• Have experience using leather knives, edgers, and other common leatherworking tools.
• Can perform basic hand stitching techniques.
• Have operated a sewing machine on previous leather projects.
• Can accurately read and use a tape measure.
• Understand that successful completion of the saddle will require active participation and a willingness to work efficiently throughout the week with expert guidance from the saddle experts.

Please Note: Due to the ambitious nature of building a saddle in five days, instructors may complete certain steps or provide hands-on assistance as needed to keep projects on schedule and ensure each student leaves with a finished saddle.

Optional Tools to Bring

All tools and materials required to successfully complete your saddle will be provided onsite. Students are not required to bring any tools to participate in this class.

However, if you prefer working with your own tools, you're welcome to bring your favorites. Suggested items include:

• Head knife
• Edgers
• French edgers
• Stitch groover
• Stabbing awl
• Sewing awl
• Hammer
• Stitch marker
• Scratch awl
• Safety skife
• Tickler
• Wing dividers
• Cantle pliers
• Slicker / Seat stick
• Assorted hole punches
• Point knife
• Maul

Please Note: Many students travel to Pendleton by air and may not want the hassle of transporting knives and tools. Don't worry, everything needed to successfully complete your saddle will be available in the classroom. Bringing personal tools is entirely optional and simply allows you to work with the equipment you're most comfortable using.

Observer Passes

Not ready to build your own saddle?

A limited number of $200 daily Observer Passes will be available for those who want an inside seat to the action. With only ten observer spots per day, attendees can watch the entire process unfold, ask questions, take notes, and gain valuable insight from three master saddle makers as they guide their students through the build.

Observer Passes are observation-only and do not include any hands-on participation, bench time, or access to materials.

By registering for this class, I grant Illume Events permission to photograph and record me during the event and to use such images and recordings in future marketing, promotional, and educational materials.

Day 1: The Foundation

Where every great saddle begins.

• Ground Seat
• Cantle Back
• Gullet Cover
• Swell Cover
• Skirts Blocked

Day 2: Taking Shape

Turning raw materials into a working saddle.

• Skirt Plugs
• Seat
• Fenders Stretched (one may already be prepared)
• Back Billet Dees (optional)
• Jockey Fit

Day 3: Function Meets Craftsmanship

Installing the pieces that make a saddle perform.

• Rigging Plates
• Shearling
• Cantle Binding
• Billets (one may already be prepared)
• Back Cinch

Day 4: Bringing It All Together

Assembly, refinement, and final construction.

• Horn
• Oil
• Strings (pre-edged, slicked, and ready for installation)
• Final Assembly

Day 5: The Finish Line

Complete your build with guidance from master saddle makers.

• Open Work Session
• Individual Coaching
• Troubleshooting & Adjustments
• Final Completion

Can't transport your saddle home? Shipping arrangements can be made for an additional fee.

CLASS REFUND POLICY:

100% refund through Oct. 1^st

No refund after Oct. 1^st. However, students who are unable to attend may transfer their registration to a replacement participant and receive a full refund. Illume Events must be notified of the transfer prior to the start of class.