Western Saddles: 10 Most Common Replacement Parts

With proper care, quality western saddles will lasttossed out.3. Off billet. The off billet attaches the
a lifetime. There are, however, a number ofcinch to the saddle on the off (right) side. Like the
saddle parts that will have a shorter lifespan thanlatigo, it receives a lot of wear and needs to be
the base saddle, or that may be replaced forinspected and replaced regularly for safety
personal preference reasons. The following arereasons.4. Cinch Connecting Strap. This strap
the ten most common western saddleconnects the front and flank cinches, holding the
replacement parts.1. Cinches (Front and Flank). Inflank cinch in place. While it doesn't receive a lot of
addition to being cleaned regularly, cinches need towear, failure can cause the flank cinch to slip back
be inspected for wear and replaced whenand spook the horse. It's a cheap part. Inspect it
necessary. The front cinch, especially, is a crucialregularly and replace it when necessary. If you
part that's failure could cause a serious wreck.2.ride with a flank cinch, DO NOT ride without a
Latigos (aka cinch straps). These straps take a lotcinch connecting strap in place.5. Stirrup Leathers.
of wear and can get worn relatively quickly withLeathers receive a lot of wear and can wear out
heavy use. You DO NOT want to be on a ridebefore the base saddle. Look for wear around the
when your latigo breaks. Inspect and replaceholes or where the hardware rubs against the
these relatively inexpensive straps regularly. Aleathers. Also try the "tear test" mentioned
good way to test a leather strap is to try to tearearlier.6. Stirrup Hobbles.
it. If it tears, the leather is spent and should be