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 questions, please feel free to comment below!
The Purpose Of A Horn For Western Riding
While western riding is one of the most popular sports in the country, you might be wondering what the purpose of a horn is. A horn is a piece of equipment used to keep the horse’s neck steady during a ride.
But it also has other uses. A horn can be used for lead ropes and halters. Here are some of the most important ways to use a horn during your ride.
Western saddles are made with two things in mind: utility and comfort. Cowboys would spend all day in their saddles, which is why cowboys crafted their western saddles with spots for ropes and hang guns. And the saddle also includes a horn.
Although it is not a handle, a horn is a part of the saddle that riders use to wrap a rope around when catching cattle or dragging objects on horseback. A horn can be used for so many different purposes, though.
The horn can also be used for trail riding or for barrel racing. However, you should note that a barrel saddle has a horn that isn’t very sturdy. It will likely break if roped out. Western riding is also different than English riding, so it’s important to know what kind of saddle to choose. When you’re looking for a saddle, you’ll want to find one that suits you and your horse.
What Is The Horn On A Western Saddle Called?
One of the most polarizing topics in western riding is what to call the horn on a saddle. While many riders prefer the sound of a horn to a bell, the debate is often based on personal preference or riding style.
However, most people agree that it is called a pommel.
Other Types Of Saddles With Horns
There are many different types of western saddles. A western pleasure saddle is designed for a more relaxed ride. These saddles have small horns and are often made of lighter materials.
While they do not have a horn for roping, they are still designed for a comfortable ride. Western pleasure saddles can be found in a variety of sizes and styles. Some of them come with “bling” or tooling.
The main differences between western saddles and English saddles lie in the saddle horn. The horn stabilizes the rider while mounting or dismounting the horse. The horn also serves as a place to attach a rope when barrel racing or roping. There are different styles of horns to suit other disciplines. Here are a few of the more popular types.
They also tend to have a higher horn and pommel, making them more durable and versatile. Ranch-cutting saddles have thicker horns than western saddles.
Endurance Saddle
The western endurance saddle has a deep seat and many d-rings to attach additional accessories. It’s an excellent choice for long-distance riding. Endurance saddles are popular for competition-cutting events, where maneuverability is critical.
Because of the horn’s height, the saddle is very lightweight and allows the rider to move quickly. There are many endurance saddles, so be sure to find the one that suits your needs and riding style.
Trail Saddle
The most common question riders have is, “Should I ride a Trail Saddle with a horn?” The answer to this question depends on what type of riding you do. Most western riding requires a saddle with a horn, but if you’re an experienced horseman and enjoy the added security of a horn, you may want to avoid it.
Trail Saddles feature broad stirrups, which give the rider a more secure grip on their horse. Some models have double rigging for extra security. A trail saddle can be made of synthetic material to save weight and minimize cost.
A perfect roping saddle should allow the rider to get on and off quickly, with ease. The horn is short and thinner, and the pommel is smaller than a barrel saddle.
A lightweight Trail Saddle with a horn has a rough-out suede leather seat, a cantle binding, and a horn. These saddles also have a swell fork, which means they are wider at the bottom. The swell fork design offers additional security while riding.
This style of saddle is perfect for trail riding and long-distance endurance. Consider the scratch and dent model if you’re looking for a durable saddle for long rides. It has a horn and cantle dee rings. It also comes with a set of heavy nylon stirrup straps.
Conclusion
The horn is a vital aspect to consider when choosing a saddle. The western saddle is made to be comfortable and durable and was initially designed for long rides. Cowboys spent most of their time riding, so the horn is not intended to be a handle or force the rider into a rigid position. Western riders should develop a comfortable independent seat. While English riders prefer a saddle without a horn, they may still choose an English-styled saddle with a horn.
While the horn has lost its function as an accessory, it still represents a historical aspect of the western saddle. Although many Western riders never rope a cow, the horn is still an essential feature of this style.