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| | The Parts of a Western Saddle
| An article from Used Saddles and Bridles
| | The Parts of a Western Saddle
The Saddle Tree is the basis of the saddle. On a Western saddle a rigid tree is used. This is either a wooden shape
wrapped in leather, or is made from fibreglass and wood shavings moulded into shape under pressure . To give extra support to the
rider and more rigidity steel plates are attached underneath the tree. The tree on a Western saddle is larger and less padded than an
English saddle so a saddle blanket is required to provide padding and protect the horse's back.
The Fork or Pommel is the rise at the front of the saddle.
The Hornis on top of the cantle and is designed to wrap a rope around when roping cattle.
The Cantle is the rise at the back of the seat.
The Seat is the middle part of the saddle, between the fork and cantle where the rider sits.
Stirrup Leathers are straps that fasten underneath the fenders. They are made of leather or webbing and are
adjustable to fit the length of the rider's leg and the type of riding being done. Unlike on an English saddle the stirrup leathers
on a Western saddle are permanently attached and do not release if the rider falls off.
The Stirrup IronsThe stirrup irons are the D-shaped metal pieces attached to the stirrup leathers. Since the
leathers do not detach the irons are usually made wider than on an English saddle to give more security to the rider's foot.
The Fenders are leather flaps that cover the stirrup leathers.
Cinches A Western saddle may be double-rigged with cinches front and back, or single-rigged with a cinch just at at
the front. The front cinch is always attached under the cantle but the position of the back cinch varies according to the type of
riding to be done. A cinch placed closer to the middle of the saddle will give the rider more freedom of movement and is used where
agility is important. A cinch placed more to the front of the saddle will limit freedom of movement but will give the rider more
security.
The Back Jockey and Skirt are the flaps of leather underneath the cantle.
Latigos are the strips of leather used to tie the front cinch to the saddle. Modern Western saddles often have
buckles on the cinches for extra security. | |
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