I use an all leather, tunneled ground seat. Here is a sample of that construction. I start with the bar plugs.

Then the first ground seat piece with the hand hole cover piece stitched in place.
Next comes the second ground seat piece, this piece gives rise to the front.
This saddle has an extra piece to giva a little more rise to the front. This was a request from the client. 
With the second ground seat piece in place I now cut out the stirrup leather slots.

After cutting out the s.l. slots I glue them back in place and add the third ground seat piece. after shaving it down I tack it down and add three stitched to the center to lock it into place.

Finally the top ground seat piece, with the hand hole cover streched into place.

Here I have the rigging installed. This is a double ringed rigging in the 7/8 position.

Horn covered and fork cover installed with a fork roll.

Next up, the seat and skirts.
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