Custom Western Saddles, Saddle Fitting, and Saddle Repair FAQ | Kent Cannon Saddlery
General Questions About Kent Cannon Saddlery
What does Kent Cannon Saddlery make?
Kent Cannon Saddlery is a custom western saddle maker in Douglas, Arizona offering handmade western saddles, tack, and leather goods built for real riding, ranch work, arena use, trail riding, and everyday western life. Along with custom saddles, the shop offers saddle fitting, western saddle repair, saddle restoration, and practical leather gear with western character. Start with the Home page for an overview, or ride over to the Ordering a Custom Saddle page when you’re ready to begin
Where is Kent Cannon Saddlery located?
Kent Cannon Saddlery is located in Douglas, Arizona and serves riders, ranchers, competitors, collectors, and western leatherwork customers throughout Southern Arizona and beyond. If you’re planning a custom saddle order, saddle fitting appointment, repair, pickup, or shipped order, use the Contact Us page to get the conversation started.
Does Kent Cannon Saddlery only make saddles?
No. Saddles are a big part of the outfit, but they’re not the whole herd. Kent Cannon Saddlery also makes and customizes western leather goods and tack, including headstalls, breast collars, reins, chaps, spur straps, belts, wallets, knife sheaths, phone cases, keychains, and other durable leather accessories. Check the Shop page for available items and the Blog for leather care and craftsmanship tips.
Custom Western Saddle Orders
What types of custom western saddles do you build?
Kent Cannon Saddlery builds custom western saddles for ranch work, roping, trail riding, barrel racing, reining, and everyday riding. Each saddle is planned around the horse, the rider, and the job it needs to do, with attention to saddle tree fit, balance, seat comfort, leather quality, and long-term durability. If you want to see what’s currently ready to ride, visit the Saddles for Sale page. If you want one built from the ground up, start with the Ordering a Custom Saddle page.
How do I order a custom western saddle?
The trail starts with the Saddle Estimate Worksheet on the Ordering a Custom Saddle page. Fill it out as best you can, then request contact so the shop can talk through your riding discipline, horse conformation, rider measurements, seat preferences, tooling ideas, leather choices, and intended use. You don’t have to know every answer up front; that’s what the consultation is for.
What can I customize on a handmade western saddle?
Just about every meaningful detail can be talked through: seat size, saddle tree, skirt style, rigging, leather color, finish, tooling, stamping, stirrups, hardware, conchos, brands, names, and other personal touches. For more saddle-building know-how, visit the Saddles category on the Blog and read posts about saddle fit, tree fit, and custom western saddle craftsmanship.
How long does it take to build a custom western saddle?
Good work takes time, and a handmade western saddle is no place to cut corners. Current lead time is generally around 90 days, depending on workload, saddle tree availability, and the complexity of the build. The Ordering a Custom Saddle page has the latest process details, and the shop can confirm the current backlog when you reach out.
Is a deposit required for a custom saddle?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit secures your place in the build schedule and allows the saddle tree and materials to be planned for your order. The Ordering a Custom Saddle page explains the deposit, scheduling, and build process in more detail.
When is final payment due?
Final payment is due before shipping or pickup. Personalized work, including brands, names, or custom details, may require full payment in advance. For the full rundown, review the Ordering a Custom Saddle page before placing your order.
Western Saddle Fitting and the Dennis Lane System
Do you offer western saddle fitting services?
Yes. Kent Cannon Saddlery offers custom saddle fitting using the Dennis Lane System, a practical template-based method for recording a horse’s back, withers, shoulders, and related fit points. Visit the Saddle Fitting Service page for the process, pricing, travel details, and remote saddle fitting options.
Why is western saddle fit important for horse and rider?
A saddle that fits right helps protect the horse, keeps the rider balanced, and makes the work smoother for both. Poor saddle fit can cause pressure points, soreness, resistance, lost performance, and rider imbalance. For more reading, visit the Blog posts Fitting a Custom Saddle to Your Horse Part 1 and Fitting a Custom Saddle Part 2 Using the Dennis Lane System.
Can you fit a horse remotely?
In some cases, yes. If hauling in isn’t practical, the shop may be able to ship Dennis Lane System cards with instructions and return postage for self-measurement. See the Saddle Fitting Service page for remote fitting details and call ahead before you start.
How much does saddle fitting cost?
The in-shop saddle fitting service is listed at $300. Travel fittings may include the fitting fee plus hourly travel time, mileage, and related expenses, with additional horses priced separately. Because travel and timing can change, check the Saddle Fitting Service page or contact the shop for current details.
Ordering, Shipping, and Returns for Saddles and Leather Goods
Can I order online?
Yes. Ready-to-ride saddles and available goods may be listed online through the Shop or Saddles for Sale page. Custom saddle work usually begins with a conversation so fit, function, materials, and timing can be handled the right way from the start.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping depends on the item and where it’s headed. In-stock items are generally processed quickly, while custom saddles follow the build schedule. For custom orders, the shop will provide an estimated shipping date once the order is confirmed. See the FAQ page and Ordering a Custom Saddle page for current order guidance.
Do you ship outside the United States?
Domestic shipping is available, and international shipping may be available by request. If your order needs to cross a border, contact the shop before ordering so shipping cost, timing, and customs details can be discussed up front.
What is the return policy?
Unused eligible items may be returnable within 30 days, but custom, personalized, and made-to-order gear may have different terms. Before sending anything back down the trail, contact Kent Cannon Saddlery for return approval and instructions.
Western Saddle Repair, Restoration, and Warranty
Are saddles covered by a warranty?
Warranty coverage may include the saddle tree, leather, stitching, and hardware against defects in materials or workmanship. Coverage depends on the item and terms in effect at purchase, so check the FAQ page or contact the shop before ordering if you have warranty questions.
Do you repair western saddles?
Yes. Kent Cannon Saddlery offers western saddle repair and restoration work, including leather cleaning and conditioning, stitching and lacing, seats, skirts, fenders, stirrup leathers, sheepskin or lining replacement, hardware replacement, and fit-related adjustments. For more insight, read the Saddle Wash and Repair post on the Blog or visit the Western Saddle Repair Service page.
How do I get a repair estimate?
Send clear photos, describe the problem, and include any deadline you’re working toward. Some repairs can be estimated from photos, while others need to be looked over in person. Use the Contact Us page to start the repair conversation.
Western Saddle Care and Leather Maintenance
How often should I condition saddle leather?
That depends on use, climate, and storage. A saddle used hard in Arizona dust, heat, or wet weather may need care more often than one used lightly and stored indoors. The goal is supple leather, not over-oiled leather. The Blog is a good place to keep learning about maintenance.
How often should I condition saddle leather?
That depends on use, climate, and storage. A saddle used hard in Arizona dust, heat, or wet weather may need care more often than one used lightly and stored indoors. The goal is supple leather, not over-oiled leather. The Blog is a good place to keep learning about maintenance.
Can you clean and condition my saddle for me?
Yes. Saddle wash, cleaning, conditioning, and repair services may be available depending on the condition of the saddle and the work needed. Read the Saddle Wash and Repair blog post, then contact the shop for current service options and turnaround time.
Contact Kent Cannon Saddlery
What information should I have ready before contacting the shop?
For a custom saddle or fitting, gather your riding discipline, horse details, rider measurements, current saddle concerns, design preferences, and timeline. For repairs, include photos and a clear description of what needs fixing. The Ordering a Custom Saddle page and Saddle Fitting Service page can help you round up the details before you call.
How do I contact Kent Cannon Saddlery about a custom saddle, saddle fitting, or repair?
Use the Contact Us page, call the shop, or reach out through the contact details listed on the website. If you’re asking about a custom western saddle, saddle fitting with the Dennis Lane System, ready-to-ride saddle, custom leather goods, or western saddle repair, include as much detail as you can so the shop can point you down the right trail.