Saddle Accessories

March 8, 2009

• Piggin' Strings

  A funny name, but a handy little thing to have on your saddle. A piggin string is a short, narrow rope used mainly to hogtie a calf or steer for doctoring, branding, or competitive rodeo events. (…)

February 5, 2009

• Breast Collar Fit

  Breast collars are generally one-size-fits all. Sizing is done through adjustment of the straps. (…)

October 24, 2008

• Nightlatch: You Should Have One On Your Saddle

  Have you ever seen a strap on the front of a western saddle that attaches around the fork and wondered what it was? (…)

August 9, 2008

• Cleaning Your Saddle Pad

  The end of the summer season is a good time to think about cleaning your saddle pads and blankets. Hair, dirt, sweat and assorted crud all build up over time. (…)

December 19, 2007

• Saddle Pads Don't Last Forever

  A well cared for quality saddle can last for a long, long time. Not so with saddle pads. Pads and blankets are one saddle accessory that should be checked and replaced regularly. (…)

November 24, 2007

• Are Seat Savers For Sissies?

  In the first installment of our series "Are you a Sissy?", we looked at mounting blocks. Now we turn our attention to seat savers, also known as seat covers, pads, or cushions. (…)

November 12, 2007

• Flank Cinch: How Tight?

  This question comes up a lot. Just how tight should a flank cinch be? Tighter than many people think. (…)

September 30, 2007

• What's a Roper Cinch?

  Ever wondered what a roper cinch was and what it was for? Let's clear things up. 

  A roper cinch is wider in the center than at the ends. (…)

July 8, 2007

• Saddle Pads: Thicker isn't a Solution for Poor Fit

  Ideally, the saddle pad's purpose is to protect your saddle from your horse, not your horse from your saddle. (…)

May 30, 2007

• Say "No" to Plastic Saddle Covers

  If you shop for saddle covers, you'll find plastic covers for sale in most tack shops. Whoever are making and selling these things sure don't know much about saddles. (…)

April 26, 2007

• What are Conchos?

  Conchos come from the Mexican vaquero tradition and serve both a decorative and a utilitarian role on western saddles. (…)

April 3, 2007

• Tapadaros: Style With Substance

  What are tapadaros? Some folks call them hooded stirrups, but tapadaros has such a nicer ring to it, don't you agree? (…)

March 30, 2007

• Are Mounting Blocks For Sissies?

  Are you a sissy if you use a mounting block to mount your horse? Absolutely not. (…)

March 27, 2007

• Do You Pack a Horse First Aid Kit on the Trail?

  Have you ever seen the lists some folks have created of items they think every rider should pack when hitting the trail? Jeepers, these lists are long. They have you ready for anything. (…)

November 16, 2006

• Holiday Gift Idea: Quilted Saddle Carrier

  After spending big bucks on our saddle, we're often reluctant to spend more money on accessories. That's why a nice saddle carrier makes a great gift for a western rider. (…)

October 15, 2006

• Saddle Covers: Keep the Crud Off Your Stuff

  I've spent a lot of money for my saddle so I'm pretty committed to taking good care of it. (…)

October 6, 2006

• Saddle Blanket Bars and Racks

  Keeping your saddle pad and blankets in good condition is as important as taking care of your saddle. (…)

October 4, 2006

• Silver Saddle Trim: There's nothing like a little sparkle

  Adding sillver trim to a western saddle has a long tradition dating bac to the vaqueros of California. Today, you'll see lots of silver on show and competition saddles. (…)

September 29, 2006

• A Buddy Seat For Your Little Buddy

  If you have a little buddy who's not quite ready to ride on their own, a buddy seat may be just the ticket. (…)

September 16, 2006

• Saddlebags: From Traditional to High Tech

  Saddlebags are one traditional horse tack item that has been greatly influenced by modern developments. (…)