Whether one is a seasoned rider or just a beginner, knowing the difference between one saddle and another is important. Just sitting on a saddle will tell a tale and most riders will instantly know by the feel when seated. When it comes to used Western saddles, this is even truer. Knowing that your saddle has its own history of glorious rides can enhance your riding experience, and add to the thrill of the ride.
What Are Western Saddles?
When sitting on a Western Saddle, the rider gets a sense of safety and security with the larger, wrap around comfort of this type of seat. Resting between the pommel, or the front part and the cantle, the back raised part of the seat; the rider sits between them and is supported in the back.
Designed for cowboys that worked cattle and rode the range, these saddles are built for comfort and for the long haul. Combining two vintage styles, Moorish and Jousting, the saddle stemmed from Southwest America and the Spanish Vaqueros. Spanish Vaqueros were the Spanish version of the American Cowboy.
This saddle features a horn right in the front middle of the saddle. Multi functional, it was a secure hold for equipment when traveling up and down steep terrain such as rifles, canteens and ropes from as needed. It was also used to secure a tied stock animal such as a pack horse or cattle after they had been roped. Horses were trained to pull the rope tight against the horn to keep control over the stock. This notable feature was not included on all saddles that were categorized as “Western”. Endurance saddles, such as those used for busting broncos, otherwise known as breaking a horse to ride, did not have the horn for obvious reasons.
Priority in this saddle lies in the ability to ride comfortably for many hours in the saddle. Great for modern day trail riding, the Western saddle was the mainstay of a cowboy that spent most of his life on the trail riding herd. And in situations like that, comfort was a must.
Modern day versions begin with the basic framing, or “tree” for shape. Usually created from wood or rawhide, the tree is generally wrapped in some type of padded material to cushion and form the top part of the saddle, or seat. The underside generally is covered in a protective layer of sheepskin to provide comfort and wear-ability to the horse as well as the rider.
While there are some true to life cowboys still in existence today, most Western saddles are used for the part time or weekend cowboy or cowgirl. Saddles that were once created for function can now be purchased quite ornamental with chrome and rhinestones to make each one a unique work of art and craftsmanship, a far cry from the vintage saddle only used to work. Take a look at Wintec wide saddle or Stubben saddles for sale.
When it comes time for you to buy your own, don’t think that you need to get a new one. Buying a used Western saddle will mean that you don’t have to deal with stiff, uncomfortable leather, as one that has already experienced some rides will be broken in for you. You can also enjoy the experience, knowing that another pair of horse and rider has used this saddle before, and can feel a connection through the shared saddle.
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