What's a Rough-Out Saddle?

Ever wondered what "rough-out" is? Is it the same as suede? Why are some western saddles made with it and why do some folks prefer it? Let's get the skinny on rough-out.

Leather saddles are made from heavy hides known as saddle skirting. Skirting comes in different weights (thickness) and grades (quality). The thickest skirting is used for the heavy wear areas such as fenders, stirrup leathers and seats.

Skirting has two distinct sides - the grain side, which is smooth, and the flesh side, which is rough. A saddle can be made with either side facing out as the finished side.

Most saddles are made with the grain side out. This smooth side has a more elegant look and is the side that can be carved and stamped.

A saddle with the flesh, or rough, side facing out is called a rough-out saddle. A saddle can be completely rough-out or partially rough-out. Fenders, seat jockeys, and seats are the most common rough-out parts.

The appeal of rough-out is that it provides additional grip and stick for the rider, although over time the roughness wears down and the leather can become smooth. For those riding for a job where function takes priority over looks (working cowboys, horse trainers), rough-out saddles are quite common.

Suede and rough-out are not the same. Suede is a much thinner piece of leather that is usually made from the inner splits of a side of leather. In western saddles suede is sometimes used as a covering for the seat. However, the suede will not replace the skirting used for the seat, but rather be layered over it. Suede does not wear very well and will not be found on higher end saddles.

The saddle in the photo is a full rough-out saddle by Steve Mecum.