Tapaderos Mastery: Precision Techniques for Saddle Makers

Instructor: Zachery Holyoak
Course Length: 0.5 hours | Lessons: 11
Skill Level: Intermediate

Craft functional and stylish tapaderos that protect your feet and elevate your saddle.
In this concise course, Zachery Holyoak shows you how to build leather tapaderos using a versatile pattern that fits pre-treaded stirrups. You’ll learn essential techniques for lacing and assembly, giving you a finished set of tapaderos that combine comfort, practicality, and custom craftsmanship.

Designed for intermediate leatherworkers, this course focuses on accuracy, clean assembly, and the details that make your tapaderos both durable and polished.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to use a ready-to-go pattern for custom tapaderos
• Essential lacing techniques for secure, clean results
• How to install and finish tapaderos on pre-treaded stirrups
• Tips for achieving both functionality and style in your project

Inside the Course:

• Step-by-step tapadero build from start to finish
• Pattern included for easy setup
• Practical, rider-friendly design to protect from brush and debris
• Clear demonstrations for quick, confident assembly

Included with Membership:
✅ Access to 140+ professionally filmed courses
✅ Downloadable patterns, guides, and cheat sheets
✅ Monthly live Q&A sessions with master artisans
✅ A supportive artisan community to learn and share with
✅ Fresh courses released every month

About the Instructor:
Zachery Holyoak has been immersed in leatherwork since childhood, learning the craft at his grandfather’s saddle shop before pursuing his dream of becoming a saddle maker. In 2019, he joined Burns Saddlery, quickly advancing to Foreman over the barrel saddle line while mastering each step of the saddle-making process. Zachery is passionate about helping others progress as leathercrafters and continues to hone his own skills. When not in the shop, he spends his time in the mountains hunting with family and friends, drawing inspiration from the western lifestyle he loves.