Rigging or Rig?

You may have heard folks use these two terms and wondered what the difference was, or maybe if there was any difference at all. Here’s the straight scoop.

Rigging is an umbrella term that encompasses a saddle’s rigging system – the cinch or cinches, the manner in which they are attached to the saddle (i.e. in-skirt, flat plate, etc.), and how they are placed (i.e. full, 7/8, 3/4, etc.).

Rig is a term used to describe a saddle by it’s rigging system. So you’ll hear folks say they have a double rig, meaning they have a saddle with a front and back cinch. Or someone will say they have a 7/8 rig meaning they have a saddle with the front cinch at the 7/8 position.

Related posts:

1. The ABC’s of Western Saddle Rigging
2. Avoiding Girth Galls
3. The Misunderstood Flank Cinch
4. What’s a Roper Cinch?
5. The Impact of Saddle Position on Saddle Fit