You may have wondered, “Why Do Western Saddles Have a Horn?” If so, you’re not alone. The horn on these saddles is often used for roping and other activities that require a strong rope. But did you know that other types of saddles have a horn? Read on to learn more. If you have any … Read more
The rider’s most significant component of a western saddle is the saddle seat. It will define how comfortable those hours in the saddle will be to a large extent. Seating Structure Everything starts with the “ground seat.” The ground seat is attached to the saddle tree and serves as the foundation for the final saddle … Read more
Saddle fenders are the lengthy vertical leather strips that run beneath the rider’s legs. They are made to shield the horse’s legs from sweat. Fenders should be constructed of heavy-duty, high-quality leather because they are subjected to a lot of abuse. Saddle fenders are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The contour of … Read more
The rings, dees, and plates that link the off billet, flank billets, and latigos to the saddle are known as saddle rigging hardware. The style of rigging a saddle has is determined by its type, arrangement, and location on the saddle. Rigging hardware is essential for securing the saddle and should be of good quality. … Read more
After the latigo has been laced through the ring of the cinch, the latigo holder (also known as the latigo keeper, the cinch strap keeper, and the cinch strap holder) is what keeps the loose end of the latigo. It is usually made of leather and bears the name or mark of the maker. It … Read more
Saddle skirts are thick, heavy leather pieces that attach to the underside of the saddle tree bars. The skirts’ functions are as follows: To keep the horse safe from the bars To spread the rider’s weight across a larger surface area To protect the rider from the perspiration of the horse The skirts are constructed … Read more
The front and flank cinches are connected by the cinch connection strap (sometimes known as a cinch hobble). On double rigged saddles, this is a small but crucial piece of equipment. The flank cinch can slip backwards into the horse’s flank without this piece, turning your well-mannered horse into a bucking bronc. This strap should … Read more
The two flank billets (also known as the back or back billets) secure the flank cinch to the saddle’s rigging rings on each side. These billets are normally manufactured with only one layer of leather, as opposed to the two layers on the off billet, because strength is not as important here as it is … Read more
Long straps that connect the stirrups to the saddle tree are known as stirrup leathers. These straps should be made of high-quality, thick leather. The two leathers must be made from the same hide in order for them to stretch uniformly. Stirrup leathers on western saddles are typically 3 inches wide, however some competitive saddles … Read more
The saddle jockeys (also known as “housings”) are the components that cover the exposed saddle tree bars. On top of the skirts, jockeys are positioned. The front, back, and seat jockeys are the three types of jockeys. The jockeys not only cover the bars, but also shield the rider’s legs from the horse’s sweat and … Read more