The Three Most Important Saddle Parts

Can you name the three most important parts of the western saddle? If each of these three parts are correctly designed then you'll have a solid saddle. Get just one wrong and the saddle can never be "right."

The answer? The saddle tree, the seat, and the rigging. While every western saddle part has a role to play, these three are the most critical. Defects and poor design in these parts will result in discomfort for horse and rider and instability in the saddle.

The saddle tree is the foundation of the saddle. Early western saddles consisted of only a wooden tree with stiruups attached. The rest - skirts, fenders, etc. - can be considered fluff.

It is absolutely crucial to have a high quality tree. Don't be fooled with a pretty exterior. If the tree is inferior than it can never be a quality saddle.

The design of the seat will determine the comfort of the rider. If you've ridden in a fair share of saddles, then you know how much the comfort of a saddle seat can vary. Creating a balanced and comfortable ground seat is a real art that many saddlemakers have not mastered. You can add all the padding you want, saddles with poorly designed seats will never be suited for more than looking pretty on a saddle rack.

The rigging is the safety belt of the saddle. It needs to be well designed and built and must also be attached completely symmetrically. If the left and right side rigging rings are not in the exact same location, you're saddle will be unbalanced and your horse will be uncomfortable.

Today there's too much attention paid to the non-essential parts of the saddle and too little paid to the three parts that really matter. I love a good looking saddle as much as anyone, but if the foundation under those good looks is faulty than the good looks are meaningless.