This week we are concluding our Western Saddle series!

(photo taken from Equusite)

Skirt:

The skirt attaches to the underside of the bars. Its purposes is to protect the horse from the bars and help distribute the rider's weight more evenly. The two basic types of skirts are the square skirt and the rounded skirt, but more varieties have been coming out. On most saddles there are D rings attached to the front of the skirt for attaching a breastcollar. Natural sheepskin or synthetic is lined on the underside of the skirt, to provide a soft layer between the horse and the saddle and to provide enough friction to help keep the saddle pad in place. Usually the skirts are leather with tooling, but occasionally you will find a rough-out skirt. On the synthetic saddles the skirts are made out of cordura to aid in the light weight.

(photo taken from The Western Saddle Guide)

(photo taken from Tack Wholesale.com)

Saddle Strings:

Saddle strings are the long narrow straps of leather that hang of f the sides of a saddle. Their original purpose was to tie objects to the saddle, such as slickers, canteens, saddlebags, coats, rope, etc... Saddle strings are sill used for these purposes, but have now become more of a decoration, or are completely omitted all together, as is the case on most barrel, reining, and show saddles. The number of strings depends on the saddle, but there are four possible positions for saddle strings.

1. On the rear housing

2. In the corner between were the jockey and the cantle meet.

3. Below the base of the swell

4. On the front jockey.

(photo taken from Ranch2Arena.com)

Rigging:/Rigging Rings:

The term "rigging" refers to how the cinch strap attaches to the saddle to hold it in place. Rigging rings are the rings where the cinch secures to the saddle. The rigging rings can be D rings, circular rings, or flat plates. Single rigging means the saddle only has a front cinch. Double rigging includes the front and rear cinch. A saddle will have a single or doulbe rigging depending on what discipline it was designed for. Ropers, working ranch saddles and some trail saddles have a rear cinch, whereas most barrel, reining, and show saddles do not. (All though we believe a rear cinch while running barrels is a good idea!)

(photo taken from Horse Saddle Shop)

(photo taken from Horse Grooming Supplies Forum)

Fenders:

The fender serves as barrier between the rider's leg and the horse. It's also what holds the stirrup on and allows adjustment for the length of a riders leg. The fenders come in all different shapes and sizes, usually going with the style of the saddle. The straps wrapping around the fenders right above the stirrups are called stirrup hobbles and they hold everything in place.

(photo taken from Chick Saddlery)

Stirrups:

The stirrups basic purpose is to provide a surface where the rider can place his or her feet. On a newly purchased saddle the stirrups will be unturned, meaning they hang straight down along with the fenders. Stirrups/stirrup fenders need to be turned in order to ensure a comfortable ride. Usually they are turned to about a ninety degree angle so it's easier for the rider to slip their feet into the stirrups.

Stirrups come in all manner of styles, sizes, shapes, materials, and color. Some are wooden, leather, rawhide, metal, or a mixture of different materials. What sort of stirrups you have depends on what discipline you ride and also your personal preference.

(photo taken from Tack Room Inc.)

(photo taken from The Western Saddle Guide)

(photo taken from The Western Saddle Guide)

Although the Western saddle has gone through a number of many changes and now comes in a wide selections according the particular disciplines, the heart of a Western saddle remains the same. It's an important part of our cowboy history and still plays an irreplaceable and vital role in our lives and the lives of our horses.

"Sit tall in the saddle; hold your head up high. Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky, and live like you ain't afraid to die. And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride." -- Christ Ledoux

~ Saddle Up