Saddle Types

There are oodles and oodles of different types of western saddles. Categorization can be by production technique, material, intended use, fork shape, saddle tree type, and breed … and I'm sure there are a dozen more categories you could think of. We try to make sense of it all.

February 2, 2008

September 25, 2007

  • 19th Century Miliatry Saddles

    Border State's Leather in Arkansas is a very special type of saddle shop. Owner Doug Kidd produces replicas of 19th century military saddles and also some Revolutionary War and WWI saddles. (…)

August 28, 2007

  • Saddle Tooling Coverage

    A carving and stamping design can cover any portion of a saddle. When ordering a saddle from a custom saddle maker you'll be able to choose the tooling coverage you want. (…)

August 12, 2007

July 12, 2007

April 12, 2007

  • 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. (…)

February 23, 2007

December 17, 2006

  • Buying a Custom Saddle

    Making the leap to a custom saddle is a big decision. Make sure you've done your homework before you make your purchase by reviewing these tips and guidelines. Buying a Custom Saddle

November 14, 2006

  • Coveting a Custom Saddle

    A friend called me the other day and he was just bubbling. He had just received the custom saddle that he had ordered several years ago, and it was worth the wait. (…)

September 27, 2006

September 9, 2006

  • Trophy Saddles: Win some "bling"

    Trophy saddles are awarded at a wide variety of western riding events. They're flashy and coveted by competitors both amateur and professional.

    Trophy Saddles

September 8, 2006

  • Australian Saddles

    Australian saddles took off in the US with the release of the move "Man From Snowy River" back in the 1980's. (…)

September 7, 2006

September 3, 2006

  • Swell Fork or Slick Fork?

    Western saddles come in either swell fork or slick fork (also known as an A-fork) varieties. Have no idea what that means? We take the mystery out of it with these two in-depth articles. (…)

September 1, 2006

August 24, 2006

Learn all about western saddles