There are over 10 types of western saddles, each one suited for a specific riding style. These saddles have been designed to be comfortable enough to allow ranch workers and cowboys to use them for long periods of time, but also durable enough to withstand everyday abuse. There are many styles of western saddles, but they share many of the same components.
From front to back, the parts of the western saddle are:
- Skirt
- Carrier
- Latigo
- Concho
- Gullet
- Horn
- Swell
- Rigging ring
- Jockey
- Fender
- Stirrup
- Seat
- Cantle
- Rear housing
- Strings
Measurement of a Western Saddle
Western saddles range in size from 13-17 inches. They can be measured in increments of 1 inch. Measure only the western saddle’s seat. Start at the front where the swell meets the seat and work your way back to the rear where the top of the saddle meets the c.
What are the various components of a western saddle called?
Every component of a western saddle has a purpose and is critical to its operation. TREE. GULLET. HORN. FORK, SWELL, AND POMMEL. RIGGING. SEAT. CANTLE. SKIRT.
What exactly is a gullet on a saddle?
The gullet is a tube that runs beneath the fork and across the horse’s withers. The width and height of the gullet are determined by the design of the fork and the angle of the saddle tree’s bars.
What is the significance of the term “gullet”?
The gullet is derived from the Old French gilet, which means bottleneck.
What is the distinction between a gullet and a tree?
The saddle’s underlying framework is the tree. The gullet is a canal on the bottom of the saddle that goes from the pommel to the cantle. Although the size of the tree affects the front of the gullet, the size of the tree and the size of the gullet is not the same.
What do you call Western stirrups?
A tapadero keeps the rider’s boot from slipping through the stirrup and keeps the brush from sticking through the stirrup and harming or hindering the horse or rider. Some patterns can also offer warmth in chilly weather.
Is it possible to ride without stirrups?
Riding without stirrups helps a rider to get a higher degree of feel, balance, and suppleness in the saddle and may be utilized to alleviate a wide range of rider concerns at any level of training. No-stirrup practice can assist a rider to become more aware of her own and the horse’s biomechanics.
What are the three different sorts of stirrups?
Stirrup Styles Stirrups with a Single Leg (Open Stirrup) Stirrups, two-legged or double-legged (Closed) Stirrups with four legs (closed) and six legs (open) (Closed) Stirrups in a circle (Open Stirrup) Stirrups with helical ribs (Open Stirrup)
Why are fenders used on Western saddles?
Western saddles include high cantles and pommels, which provide a deeper seat and assist you to keep stable when riding at quicker gaits across rough terrain. They also feature considerable fenders to protect the stirrups from sliding about.
What are the four components of a western saddle?
The tree, horn, stirrups, and cinch are all components of a western horse saddle. The underlying tree, the pommel, the seat, the cantle, and the skirt make up the top of a Western horse saddle.
On a saddle, where are the bars?
The bars are the two tree branches that go on the horse’s back. They must fit the curve of the back – in length, spread, angle, twist, rock, crown, and so on.