Early unpadded seat Tarpin Hill trooper saddle built before 1985 with Brass frames with laminate side boards are the most noticeable features.
The first two years Tarpin Hill Made Trooper saddles were identified by the metal plate under the footman’s loop used for stirrup hangers.
Tarpin Hill trooper saddle still use the original stitching pattern on the seats today. The solid brass frames were painted black, and the laminate boards were a bit wider at the back then the trooper saddles we build today.