Flank Cinch: How Tight?
November 12, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Accessories, Saddle Parts
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 [...]
What’s a Roper Cinch?
September 30, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Accessories, Saddle Parts
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 [...]
Saddle Pads: Thicker isn’t a Solution for Poor Fit
July 8, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Accessories, Saddle Tips
Ideally, the saddle pad’s purpose is to protect your saddle from your horse, not your horse from your saddle. A thin wool blanket should do the trick if you have a high quality saddle that fits well. The better the quality of the saddle and the better the fit, the less important the pad or blanket [...]
Say “No” to Plastic Saddle Covers
May 30, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Accessories
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. Plastic saddle covers hold moisture in and can cause serious cases of mildew. It would be better to leave your saddle exposed to the elements then [...]
What are Conchos?
April 26, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Accessories
Conchos come from the Mexican vaquero tradition and serve both a decorative and a utilitarian role on western saddles. Conchos are metal disks, traditionally with two slits to allow saddle strings to pass through and secure the saddle’s skirts to the saddle tree. In this configuration, the concho is usually combined with a slightly larger [...]
Tapadaros: Style With Substance
April 3, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Accessories
What are tapadaros? Some folks call them hooded stirrups, but tapadaros has such a nicer ring to it, don’t you agree? And since "taps" come from the vaquero tradition, they should have a Spanish name. Tapadaros protect your feet and keep them warm when riding in harsh terrain and weather. They started off as a [...]
Are Mounting Blocks For Sissies?
March 30, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Accessories
Are you a sissy if you use a mounting block to mount your horse? Absolutely not. Mounting blocks (whether they be the specially designed type or just any handy object) can save a lot of wear and tear on the rider and the horse. Dragging your tush into the saddle when you don’t have sufficient [...]
Do You Pack a Horse First Aid Kit on the Trail?
March 27, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Resources, Saddle Accessories
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. If you can handle it (maybe you have an extra burro to bring with you), more power to you. Maybe I’ll be [...]
