| With proper care, quality western saddles will last | | | | tossed out.3. Off billet. The off billet attaches the |
| a lifetime. There are, however, a number of | | | | cinch to the saddle on the off (right) side. Like the |
| saddle parts that will have a shorter lifespan than | | | | latigo, it receives a lot of wear and needs to be |
| the base saddle, or that may be replaced for | | | | inspected and replaced regularly for safety |
| personal preference reasons. The following are | | | | reasons.4. Cinch Connecting Strap. This strap |
| the ten most common western saddle | | | | connects the front and flank cinches, holding the |
| replacement parts.1. Cinches (Front and Flank). In | | | | flank cinch in place. While it doesn't receive a lot of |
| addition to being cleaned regularly, cinches need to | | | | wear, failure can cause the flank cinch to slip back |
| be inspected for wear and replaced when | | | | and spook the horse. It's a cheap part. Inspect it |
| necessary. The front cinch, especially, is a crucial | | | | regularly 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 lot | | | | cinch connecting strap in place.5. Stirrup Leathers. |
| of wear and can get worn relatively quickly with | | | | Leathers receive a lot of wear and can wear out |
| heavy use. You DO NOT want to be on a ride | | | | before the base saddle. Look for wear around the |
| when your latigo breaks. Inspect and replace | | | | holes or where the hardware rubs against the |
| these relatively inexpensive straps regularly. A | | | | leathers. Also try the "tear test" mentioned |
| good way to test a leather strap is to try to tear | | | | earlier.6. Stirrup Hobbles. |
| it. If it tears, the leather is spent and should be | | | | |