| There are several kinds of Western saddles that | | | | It will have a lower cantle so the rider can |
| are used for a variety of purposes. Their look and | | | | dismount with great ease. |
| style vary depending on their intended use. This | | | | 3. Cutting Saddles are designed to permit the rider |
| article is a quick overview of the basic western | | | | to single out a cow and steer it from a larger |
| saddles for the equestrian. | | | | herd. Well trained cutting horses stop quickly, turn |
| 1. In most boarding barns you will see a generic | | | | on a dime and stay with that cow on their own! |
| Western Show Saddle, designed for looks rather | | | | So, it is up to the rider to stay out of the way! |
| than hard work. They change often as fashion | | | | Therefore, cutting saddles have tall but thinner |
| trends dictate. Typically, they will have ornate, | | | | horns for the rider to grip easily. High and wide |
| deep tooling patterns in the leather. Often you will | | | | swells to help hold the rider in the saddle during |
| see them trimmed with silver on the skirts, | | | | the quick turns and free swinging fenders so the |
| cantle, horn, stirrups and fork (pommel). Generally | | | | rider can stay balanced. |
| the horn is shorter than on other western saddles | | | | 4. Reining Saddles are built to help the rider |
| to avoid the reins getting caught. And, you will see | | | | accomplish certain patterns that include circles, |
| the skirts somewhat larger to show off the silver | | | | spins and sliding stops. This rider needs closer |
| and the leather tooling designs. | | | | contact with his horse and to maintain the ability |
| As far as working saddles go, there are many | | | | to communicate with subtle cues. Therefore, the |
| but here are the basic ones you will come across: | | | | horn and fork will be lower to avoid interference |
| the roping saddle, the cutting saddle, reining saddle | | | | with the reins, the seat is low and shaped so that |
| and barrel racing saddle. | | | | the rider can shift himself during sliding stops and |
| 2. The Roping Saddle is designed to promote the | | | | the skirts are cut out for closer leg |
| greatest freedom of movement for the rider. | | | | communication. |
| These riders must be able to easily chase, rope | | | | 5. Barrel Racing Saddles are designed for the rider |
| and dally a cow to the horn of their saddle. | | | | to obtain maximum speed and maneuverability. |
| Therefore, the horn must be stronger and taller | | | | These saddles are much lighter than the others, |
| than most. It is thicker for strength and higher to | | | | the horn is thin and taller for the rider to grasp, |
| allow the rope to be more easily tied. The roping | | | | the fork and cantle are higher to help keep the |
| saddle must also be strong enough to withstand | | | | rider in place, and the fenders are free swinging |
| the pressure of a cow. So, it is a heavier weight | | | | so the rider can position her legs appropriately for |
| with a wooden saddle tree covered with bullhide. | | | | her balance. |