A Cowboy's Look at Horse Saddles

Horse saddles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. And each one is made for a different discipline. From Western saddles to English saddles to Australian saddles each type of saddle has their own unique features and designs to help the rider stay balanced, comfortable, and safe.

When you’re thinking about buying a new horse saddle or just having a quick look around, it's nice to have a detailed breakdown to guide your decision.

Here, you'll find what you need to know about each of the different kinds of Western saddles, a bit about English saddles, and some things you should know about Australian saddles. You'll even find out what an Association saddle is, how to get a great fitting saddle, saddle care, and the beautiful craft of saddle making. 

So let’s get into it, starting with laying out all the different types of Western saddles. 

Different Types of Western Saddles

There are many different kinds of horse saddles for many different purposes. But in all these shapes and sizes, the basics stand true: comfort and safety for you and your horse before anything else. 

All-Around Saddle

A Western All Around saddle, or General Purpose, is designed to be secure and comfortable. It can be used for different riding disciplines and rodeo events. It’s a good choice for beginners and for anyone who is doing ranch work, roping, barrel racing, and trail riding.

It typically has a strong tree, saddle horn which can be used for roping, and a deep seat for security. 

Barrel Racing Saddle

A barrel racing saddle is designed for the quick maneuvers and high speed of the sport of barrel racing. It’s a timed rodeo event where horse and rider (usually Cowgirls) complete a cloverleaf pattern around barrels as fast as they can.

This lightweight saddle has a short skirt, tall thin horn for hanging on to, and a high cantle for added security. 

Reining Saddle

A reining saddle is crafted specifically for the dynamic sport of reining, a rodeo event that is similar to dressage, where the rider guides the horse through a series of spins, stops, and rollbacks as fast as possible while being technically correct.

Reining saddles are lightweight, close contact, have a low horn to improve visibility, and a deep narrow seat for security.

Cutting Saddle

A cutting saddle is designed for the rodeo event where a rider works to isolate a steer, calf, or cow from its herd. It’s made to improve balance and control during the quick maneuvers required in cutting.

It usually has a deep seat and a high cantle, with a forward-leaning horn for the rider to grasp for stability.

Its design also includes a shorter skirt and lighter build compared to other Western saddles, allowing the horse more freedom of movement. They sometimes have ornate tooling and silver accents. 

Roping Saddle

Roping saddles have a purpose-driven design. They’re built for Team Roping, steer roping, calf roping rodeo events and ranching. 

They have a stronger tree and horn, making them much heavier than barrel or cutting saddles.

The horn on a roping saddle will be strong enough to withstand anything that's tied to it. The added weight also comes from the reinforced rigging attached to the tree. 

Roping saddles typically have roughout or suede seats to prevent the rider from sliding. The stirrups on the saddles are hung more forward than on pleasure saddles. 

The roping saddle also features a nice pocket seat for good positioning, but a lower cantle to allow easy dismount. They also have a thicker horn to dally off of. These saddles typically have a longer skirt or a double skirt.

Show/Equitation Saddles

Show saddles are made to impress the judges at horse shows while supporting the rider in demonstrating skills and ability.

Show saddles are fancy, with lots of decorations like silver and detailed designs. They support good posture.

They're made to look good and work well. They can be used in different kinds of horse show events, like Western pleasure, equitation, and halter classes.

These saddles come in many styles and sizes, so they can fit different riders and horses. Often, they are custom made specifically for one rider and one horse, so they fit perfectly.

Trail/Pleasure Saddles

Western trail saddles are made for trail riding on special paths, like in parks, forests, and mountains.

They are lightweight and have extra dee rings and strings to attach gear and supplies.

The trail saddle is comfortable with a deep seat and moderate to high cantle to help with balance. They're also designed to be shorter and lighter than other Western saddles, so the horse can move better.

Mounted Shooting Saddles

Mounted shooting saddles are made specifically for the rodeo event mounted shooting. In this event, riders navigate a course while shooting at targets.

They have a low, learning horn to stay out of the way, long fenders, a deep sturdy seat, and custom saddle trees for support.

These saddles are made to help riders stay steady, safe, and move easily while they're competing.

Ranch Saddles

A ranch saddle is a special kind of Western saddle made for hard-working ranchers and cowboys. It's made to be comfortable and secure for both the horse and rider during long workdays. These saddles aren't for quick competitions; they're for real ranch jobs like herding cattle, roping, and cutting.

Ranch saddles are tough, strong, and can do lots of different jobs. They're usually heavier than other Western saddles because they need to handle tough ranch work.

Ranch saddles have a sturdy tree and a strong horn. This lets cowboys rope and secure cattle safely. The way these saddles are designed, riders can move around easily but still stay stable and supported while they're doing all sorts of ranch tasks. They're built to last through tough ranch work and are super important for ranchers and cowboys who spend many hours on horseback, doing all kinds of jobs on the ranch.

Mexican Saddle

Mexican saddles, or Charro saddles, are a special kind of saddle used in traditional Mexican horseback riding events, like charreria which is an event that involves roping, horsemanship, and working with cattle.

Mexican saddles have a different horn shape and size, the seat is shaped and deep in a unique way, and they use a special saddle pad called a 'fuste.'

This pad is usually made of wool and makes the ride more comfortable for both the horse and the rider.

Mexican saddles are usually really fancy. They're decorated with ornate designs  of silver or gold details and beautiful leather work. They're known for their craftsmanship and high quality. 

Vaquero Saddle

Vaquero saddles come from Spain and were first brought over by Spanish explorers and settlers in the Americas.

They're not the same as Mexican saddles.

Vaquero saddles are specifically made for cattle work, so they have features that make them perfect for ranching.

A vaquero saddle has a deep seat and a high back for security, the stirrups are long and wide, and the saddle horn is fit for dallying a rope. They’re made to last and stand up to the rigors of daily ranch work. 

Treeless Saddle

A treeless saddle doesn't have the hard tree structure found in traditional saddles. They are made to spread the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back. This avoids putting too much pressure on any single spot.

Treeless saddles are usually made from lightweight materials and are flexible, shaping to the horse's back.

Treeless saddles are popular for activities like trail riding, endurance riding, and dressage.

They allow for more movement and a closer feel between the horse and rider. You can find treeless saddles in many styles and sizes, and they can often be custom-made to meet the needs of both the rider and the horse.

Western Dressage Saddle

Western dressage saddles are specially made for Western dressage, a sport that mixes dressage riding and Western style tack.

These saddles have a deep seat, high back, and a horn that's low and wide.

They are designed to help the rider stay balanced, with a straight line from their shoulder, through their hip, to their heel, so the seat is geared towards improving posture and being more vertical. The flaps of these saddles are long and straight, and the stirrups are longer than usual.

Dressage saddles are often very decorative, with detailed designs and shiny silver or gold accents, plus fancy work on the leather.

Some Western dressage saddles are made on an English saddle tree with flocked panels, which helps the rider feel closer to the horse.

Australian Saddle

An Australian stock saddle, often called an Aussie saddle, is made for Australian stock work and trail riding.

While some people think Australian saddles are a mix of English and Western saddles, they really are their own unique design.

It has a deep seat and high back and a low, wide saddle horn. This saddle is all about comfort for both horse and rider for long hours on the ranch with the utility needed for ranching and roping. They’re made tough and durable, like the Cowboys who ride them.  

Youth Saddle

A youth saddle is made just for kids and young riders.

These saddles are smaller than ones for adults, usually with a seat size of 14 inches or smaller. They usually fit a pony nicely.

Youth saddles are comfortable and safe for young riders and help them learn the right way to ride. You can find youth saddles in different styles like Western, English, and Australian in different colors and fun designs for kids.

Beginner saddle

A beginner saddle is a type of saddle that is designed to be comfortable and easy to use for novice riders. They generally give the rider a sense of security and comfort.

An All Purpose saddle is a good place to start because it has a deep seat and knee rolls for added comfort and security.

It can be used for trail riding, ranching, roping, and even barrel racing. But once you’ve committed to your event or discipline, you’ll probably want to step it up to a more specialized saddle. 

English Saddles

English saddles are designed for different riding styles in English disciplines, including dressage, jumping, and trail riding.

They are designed to allow the horse to move freely while helping the rider keep their balance. They are generally smaller and lighter than Western saddles and support activities where close contact and agility are important. 

Key Features of English Saddles

• Freedom of Movement: They are crafted for maximum movement and freedom of the horse, which is great for jumping, eventing, and other English sports.

• Balance: They have balanced padding, a deep seat, straight flaps for proper leg alignment,stirrup bars are strategically positioned to allow the rider's legs to hang naturally, and  a narrow twist of the saddle which allows the rider's legs to wrap more easily around the horse's barrel. 

• Construction: They are built on either a laminated wooden tree reinforced with steel or a synthetic tree.

• Material: English saddles are usually made of high-quality leather or synthetic materials. The leather is typically unadorned, while synthetic saddles might have a leather-look or fabric covering.

• Design Variations: The differentiation in English saddles comes from the seat's placement and balance, the length and style of the saddle flap, and the overall shape of the saddle.

• Types: Various types include close contact, dressage, cross country/eventing, all-purpose, endurance, synthetic, lead line, or pony saddles.

• Decorations: While traditionally less ornate than Western saddles, some English saddles do feature intricate designs, and occasionally silver or gold accents.

English saddles, due to their design and construction, are great for riders who need closer contact with the horse, such as in dressage or jumping. This closer contact helps with precise movements the intricate riding techniques required in English riding disciplines.

Association Saddles

If you've ever been around rodeos, then you've heard about “Association Saddles.”  

The term "Association saddle" is rooted deeply in the history of rodeo and bronc riding, dating back to the early 20th century.

Its story starts in the 1930s, when a group of cowboys, fed up with unfair practices by a stock contractor, united to form the Rodeo Cowboys Turtle Association. This name was chosen to reflect their slow response in confronting the issue.

The group's persistence paid off, and the contractor eventually included their entry fees in the prize pool. This alliance of cowboys later transformed into the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) in the 1940s and ultimately became the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1975.

Standardizing

In the early days of bronc riding, riders used an array of saddles, some with horns and others without. This lack of uniformity led to inconsistencies in competitions.

To address this, rodeo committees and manufacturers like Hamleys collaborated to create a saddle with specific standards around 1918-1919. The aim was to ensure fairness in rodeo competitions through uniform equipment.

Characteristics of the Association Saddle

The Association saddle is distinct, with a 14" wide swell and no more than 1" of undercut. It features a high gullet, approximately 9", allowing bronc riders to secure their thighs firmly.

The gullet width is typically 5-3/4 inches, and the cantle is designed to be no more than 5" high and 14" wide. The rigging position is set at 3/4, ensuring the front edge of the ring is below the center of the swells. A notable feature of these saddles, established in the late 1950s, is the absence of a horn.

Evolution to Modified Association Saddles

As the bronc saddle gained popularity for its front design, the "modified" association saddle emerged, particularly for roping.

These saddles retained the basic shape of the bronc saddle front but featured a significantly lower gullet.

Association Saddles in Western Riding

In wider Western riding circles, "association" refers to standards set by organizations like the NRHA and the NCHA, which govern specific saddle requirements for their competitions.

These rules focus on the functionality and suitability of saddles for each discipline.

The Legacy of the Association Saddle

The creation and evolution of the Association saddle mark an important era in rodeo history, symbolizing a move towards more standardized and fair competition.

Today, these saddles are not just functional pieces of equipment but also represent the rich heritage and ongoing traditions of rodeo and Western riding.

Big saddles 

A big saddle is designed to fit bigger horses or riders.

• Saddle Seat: The seat is where the rider sits. In large saddles, it's more spacious, offering ample room for the rider.

• Flaps: These parts cover the horse's sides and legs. In a large saddle, flaps are longer and wider to suit a bigger horse.

• Panels: Panels rest on the horse's back, distributing the rider's weight. In larger saddles, these are bigger and thicker, providing more support.

• Gullet: The gullet runs down the saddle's center between the panels. In a large saddle, it's wider and deeper to fit the broader spine of a larger horse.

Additional features like wider stirrup bars or thicker padding might also be present in large saddles. It's crucial to choose a saddle that properly fits both horse and rider to avoid discomfort or injury.

Types of Big Saddles

• Dressage Saddles: For the dressage discipline, these saddles have a deep seat and long, straight flaps for secure leg positioning. They feature wide, long panels for even weight distribution and a wide gullet for the horse's comfort.

• Western Saddles: Used in ranch work and Western disciplines, these have a larger seat and rounded skirts for bigger riders and horses. They typically include a front horn for roping or reins, and wider, substantial stirrups for added stability.

• Endurance Saddles: Designed for long-distance riding, endurance saddles are lightweight and streamlined. They have a larger seat, wider gullet, and flatter panels for even weight distribution, with added padding for the horse's comfort on long rides.

• All-Purpose Saddles: Versatile for various riding styles, these saddles have a larger seat and moderate-sized flaps suitable for different leg positions. The panels are flatter and wider, with a wider gullet for larger horses.

Additionally, specialty saddles like racing saddles and side-saddles cater to specific riding styles, providing customized options for various equestrian activities.

Riding Without a Saddle

Riding without a saddle, or bareback riding, can give you a unique experience. Many riders feel more closely connected to their horse and don’t ever want to saddle up again. But it comes with it’s own advantages and disadvantages, too. 

Pros

Enhanced Connection: Bareback riding brings the rider closer to the horse, fostering a deeper bond and trust between them.

Improved Balance and Skill: Direct contact with the horse's movements sharpens the rider's balance and enhances their riding abilities.

Physical Workout: This form of riding is an effective core exercise, demanding greater balance and stability from the rider.

But, it's important to assess your riding skills, your horse's temperament, and your own comfort level before deciding to ride bareback.

Cons

Comfort Issues: Bareback riding can be less comfortable, especially for those new to riding or individuals with specific physical conditions.

Safety Concerns: Without a saddle, riders lack additional support and cushioning, potentially increasing the risk of injury in case the horse gets startled or moves unpredictably.

Saddle For Hard To Fit Horses

Saddling hard to fit horses can be really frustrating. There are four commonly challenging types of horses to saddle. 

Low-withered, Broad-backed Horses

Breeds like Fjords, Haflingers, and Mountain and Moorland types often have this physique. These horses usually need hoop-shaped saddle trees, resembling an upside-down U, rather than the traditional V-shape.

Saddles for broad-backed horses, such as those for Baroque or gaited breeds, should offer a wide fit, but be mindful of the twist width for rider comfort.

Look for designs like a sloping pommel, seen in models like the Fidelio dressage saddle. Some saddles might suspend the tree above the horse, though this can reduce contact.

For Western saddles, opt for wide bars, substantial bar width, and a flatter bar angle. When uncertain about the tree in a saddle, consulting with the retailer or manufacturer is advisable.

High-Withered Horses

Horses with high withers can be tricky to fit. Saddles might bridge across the back, creating pressure points, or be too tight, restricting movement.

Solutions include saddles with cutback designs or "pommel" models for wither clearance. Using shimming saddle pads can also help.

For English saddles, deeper gullets are recommended, while Western saddles should have higher swells and cantles.

Short-Backed Horses

Short-backed horses present a challenge due to limited space for saddle placement.

Saddles that are too long can create uneven weight distribution and discomfort.

Ideal saddles for these horses have shorter panels, higher gullet clearance, and a well-positioned billet system. Working with a certified saddle fitter is the best way to find the perfect fit.

Wide-Shouldered Horses

These horses can struggle with saddles that interfere with their shoulder movement, causing discomfort or injury.

A proper fit requires attention to the saddle's tree shape, width, and angle, in addition to the horse's conformation.

Saddles should have a wide tree, design that facilitates free shoulder movement, and panels angled to avoid the shoulder blades.

How To Find the Right Saddle For Your Horse

Choosing the right saddle for your horse has a lot to do with the size and getting a proper measurement.

Have a professional measure your horse for the right saddle size. 

Saddle Fit

Getting a good saddle fit is going to make sure your horse is comfortable, free from injuries, and that you are safe and secure while riding.

Your horse needs to be able to work through his back without feeling restricted and have a saddle that’s not rubbing or causing pressure in the wrong places. Your saddle should complement your horse's back, withers, and shoulders and never cause discomfort.  

Saddle Length

Western saddles are designed to go over your horse's shoulder and over the lumbar portion of his back.

Your weight should be distributed in the area starting from behind your horse's shoulder and ending before his last rib. If you end up seated too far back, it'll make it more difficult for your horse to carry you.

Saddle Seat Size

The seat size is important not just for your comfort, but because of how the saddle is built to distribute your weight.

Overloading a small saddle can cause discomfort for your horse but so can having a saddle that’s much too big for your horse. 

Gullet Size

The gullet size is the channel that runs down the center of the saddle. It should be wide enough to provide clearance for your horse's spine. If it doesn’t fit properly, you can cause pain and injury to your horse. 

Make Sure Your Saddle Stays Centered

Once your horse is standing square on level ground, place your saddle on your horse's back without a pad and without tightening the cinch. Check that it is sitting in the middle of your horse's back and not sliding off to one side or the other. 

Make Sure You’re Comfortable

The saddle should also be comfortable for the rider. It should have enough padding for comfort,  a properly fitted cantle and stirrups for security, and shouldn’t cause discomfort for you or your horse. 

Budget

Most of us are on a budget, these days. And you can usually find a nice, high-quality saddle for a reasonable price. Think about buying a used saddle instead of a new one. It's better to buy a high quality used saddle than a low quality new saddle.

Fitting Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing a Horse Saddle

Choosing the right saddle for your horse is crucial for both the horse's comfort and the rider's safety. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing a saddle for your horse:

Placing the Saddle Too Far Forward

This common mistake can create serious discomfort for your horse. Most saddles have an ideal placement, and placing the saddle too far forward can cause the front of the panels to sit over the back of the horse, causing pain and discomfort. 

Buying a Saddle That is Too Long

Another common mistake is buying a saddle that seems to fit but is actually too long for the horse's back. If the saddle is longer than the horse's back, it can cause pressure points and discomfort. 

Not Checking for Even Contact

When placing the saddle on the horse's back, it's important to check for even contact with the horse's back. Adding padding can sometimes change the panel contact, so it's important to check again after adding padding.

Not Considering the Shape and Conformation

The shape and conformation of the horse are important factors to consider when choosing a saddle. Finding a shape and size that complements the horse's back, withers, and shoulders is crucial in ensuring the horse is comfortable and able to work through the back without feeling restricted. 

Not Considering the Rider's Fit

A saddle that doesn't fit the rider well can create painful pressure points for the horse. It's important to choose a saddle that fits the rider's body well and distributes their weight evenly. 

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can find the right saddle for your horse and ensure a comfortable and safe ride for both you and your horse.

How To Measure Your Horse Saddle

Getting good measurements will help you get a great fitting saddle. The best way to get accurate measurements is by having a professional measure your horse. If you can't, then, here's some tips to follow.

Measure Your Horse's Back Length

Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the horse's back length from the base of the withers to the point of the croup (where the tail meets the body).

Measure the Horse's Girth Area

Wrap the measuring tape around the horse's barrel, about 4 inches behind the horse's elbow. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. 

Measure the Horse's Withers

Use a wire to bend around the horse's withers just two inches behind its shoulder blades. Without changing the shape of the wire, move the wire to a piece of paper where you can trace the inside of the wire.

Once you have traced the wire shape, measure the wire to obtain the measurement of the withers. 

Assess the Horse's Back Shape

 Note any unusual contours or dips that may affect saddle fit. 

Test the Gullet size

 Fit two to three fingers between your horse's back at their withers and the gullet of the saddle to test the gullet size. 

Check the Levelness of the Saddle

Place the saddle on the horse's bareback (no pad) and check for balance and levelness. The saddle should be leveled. .

Check for Consistent Pressure

Slip your hand beneath the saddle and check for consistent pressure. There should be no pressure points or areas where the saddle is too tight. 

By following these steps, you can measure your horse for a saddle and ensure a comfortable and safe ride for both you and your horse.

Parts of a Horse Saddle

The parts of a horse saddle can change depending on which type you choose, but these are the basics of Western, English, and Australian saddles.

• Western Saddle: This includes parts like the tree, bars, pommel, cantle, horn, fork, seat, gullet, skirt, cinch, flaps, and billets.

• English Saddle: Key components are the seat, pommel, cantle, gullet, stirrup leathers, stirrups, knee pads, saddle flap, twist, and fender.

• Australian Saddle: This type typically comprises a seat, pommel, cantle, horn, girth, stirrup leathers, stirrups, and panels.

Additional elements that might be found in a saddle are breast collars, cinches, and saddle pads. The specific design of a saddle plays a crucial role in influencing the rider's balance and the horse's comfort. 

Horse Saddle Making

Saddle making is a specialized craft focused on creating saddles, which are seats for a rider on the back of a horse. 

This intricate process blends many skills, like leatherworking, metalworking, and sometimes woodworking, to create a functional and often artistic piece of horse tack. This piece of equipment is essential for horseback riding.

How To Make A Horse Saddle

Making a horse saddle is a complex process that requires specific tools, materials, and skills. You can learn to do this in a good saddle making school.

Crafting a horse saddle is an art form that combines precision, skill, and tradition. Based on well-researched methods, this guide will take you through the balanced steps involved in creating a saddle that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

1. Initial Cuts: Begin by selecting right and left hides that are of the same thickness. From these hides, each saddle component is meticulously cut, ensuring each piece derives from its specific designated area on the hide. This approach maintains the saddle's balance and consistency.

2. Casing the Leather: Once the pieces are cut, they are dampened and subsequently wrapped in wool blankets overnight, a process termed as "casing".

3. Constructing the Core - The Saddle Tree: The heart of the saddle, the saddle tree provides the necessary shape. It could be crafted in several ways, including molding from fiberglass, shaping using wood and resin under pressure, or utilizing traditional wooden techniques.

4. Developing the Ground Seat: A crucial component, the ground seat comprises six meticulously layered sections, aiming to provide the rider with a balanced and intimate connection with their horse.

5. Refinement Phase: Post drying, the ground seat is sanded down to ensure it's impeccably smooth.

6. Swells for Support: The swells, essential for the rider's thigh grip, are then diligently covered.

7. Skirt Symmetry: Skirts are then aligned to achieve symmetry. They are not just placed; filler leather is stitched in to prevent any curling, ensuring the skirts contour perfectly to the horse.

8. Jockey Junction: Jockeys, which overlay the stirrup leathers, are carefully aligned to the tree and then trimmed in symmetry with the skirts for a harmonious look.

9. Nurturing the Leather: To maintain the leather's health and longevity, each component receives a generous coating of pure neatsfoot oil. This oiling is not a one-off; several applications occur over a span of days.

10. Stitching - The Backbone: Stitching the saddle can be a labor of love. Hand-stitching, though time-intensive, provides unmatched strength, surpassing even machine stitches.

11. Artistry in Tooling: For those looking to add a personal touch or some ornate designs, tooling or engraving becomes the creative step.

12. Essential Tools: Crafting a saddle requires specialized tools such as a flat awl handle, various awl blades, and more. These tools play pivotal roles in ensuring the saddle's precision and durability.

13. Guided Patterns: Patterns can serve as invaluable references, especially for beginners, ensuring accurate cuts and assembly.

Lastly, it's pivotal to understand that saddle-making isn't merely a task; it's an intricate craft. For those embarking on this journey, seeking expert guidance through classes or mentorships can be invaluable.

Saddle Care and Maintenance

Embarking on the equestrian journey involves not only riding but also caring for your prized possessions, and atop that list is your saddle. Here’s a curated guide for that saddle TLC:

Keep it Clean

Your saddle needs to be kept clean to keep it nice. A post-ride cleanup is ideal, but a weekly saddle cleaning works wonders too. But if you’ve had an especially sweaty ride or got rained on, make sure to take care of your saddle right away.  

Store On a Saddle Rack

Store your saddle like royalty. A dry tack room is its palace, and a proper saddle rack is its throne. If it’s a metal rack, consider draping a towel or saddle pad to guard against potential scuffs. But it should have a dedicated space, or stand, for storage. 

Frequent Examinations

Frequently examine your saddle. A keen eye on signs like cracks, loose threads, or tears can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Use Good Cleaning Products

Know your saddle, know your cleaning products. Synthetic saddles appreciate a gentle soap bath, while leather ones prefer a dedicated saddle cleaner followed by a leather conditioner.

Use Conditioner

Once cleaned, a conditioner comes into play. Using a lint-free cloth, work the leather conditioner into all leather parts with an even coat. Remember, a little goes a long way. Post-conditioning, let it d for for a couple of hours, or better yet, overnight.

Keep It Dry

Make sure you thoroughly dry and then conditioner your saddle after it gets wet.

Final Thoughts

Horse saddles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. When you’re looking for a new saddle, make sure it fits well, fits your budget, and meets your needs. When you go to your local tack shop, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and even take a saddle you like out for a test run. If you keep it clean and well maintained, it can last a lifetime!

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.