Western Saddle Blog » Saddle Accessories

Piggin’ Strings

Saddle Sense — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:28:48 +0000

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. But it also has a number of other handy uses. You can use the string to help close a tough [...]

Piggin’ Strings is a post from: Western Saddle Blog

Breast Collar Fit

Saddle Sense — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:50:16 +0000

Breast collars are generally one-size-fits all. Sizing is done through adjustment of the straps. A properly adjusted collar will have the rig straps lying above the points of the shoulder and will allow you to slide your hand between the straps and the horse. Many riders have a tendency to have their collars too loose which [...]

Breast Collar Fit is a post from: Western Saddle Blog

Nightlatch: You Should Have One On Your Saddle

Saddle Sense — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:38:14 +0000

Have you ever seen a strap on the front of a western saddle that attaches around the fork and wondered what it was? Well, I’ve ridden with one for many years without knowing that it’s called a nightlatch. You’ll also hear them called a safety strap or a security strap. But their original name was nightlatch [...]

Nightlatch: You Should Have One On Your Saddle is a post from: Western Saddle Blog

Cleaning Your Saddle Pad

Saddle Sense — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:08:56 +0000

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. If it isn’t cleaned off it can cause irritation to your horse and damage to your pads and blankets. Before each use, you should always [...]

Cleaning Your Saddle Pad is a post from: Western Saddle Blog

Saddle Pads Don’t Last Forever

Saddle Sense — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:34:39 +0000

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. While good care will extend the life of your pad or blanket, you’ll still need to replace them periodically. If you don’t, you’re [...]

Saddle Pads Don’t Last Forever is a post from: Western Saddle Blog

Are Seat Savers For Sissies?

Saddle Sense — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:10:04 +0000

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. Many hard core western riders, would answer a definite "YES!" to the question "Are you a sissy if you use a seat saver?" But [...]

Are Seat Savers For Sissies? is a post from: Western Saddle Blog

Flank Cinch: How Tight?

Saddle Sense — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:01:37 +0000

This question comes up a lot. Just how tight should a flank cinch be? Tighter than many people think. The flank cinch holds the back end of the saddle down on the horse’s back during extreme activity such as roping or fast stops. To work correctly, it must be tightened enough to engage if the saddle begins [...]

Flank Cinch: How Tight? is a post from: Western Saddle Blog

What’s a Roper Cinch?

Saddle Sense — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 13:36:28 +0000

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. The purpose is to provide more support for the saddle and horse when the rider is roping cattle. The wider surface area provides more stability and distributes the [...]

What’s a Roper Cinch? is a post from: Western Saddle Blog