When you
envision a cowboy on horseback you are most likely envisioning a Western
saddle. Western saddles are used on working horses on cattle ranches in
America. They are more popular in the western United States. They are also used
for western horseback riding. The design of the saddle allows for both the
security and comfort of the rider who may spend hours on horseback over rocky
and bumpy land.
The Design
The saddles gets its unique design from the Spanish vaqueros. The vaqueros were
the earliest cattle handlers and horse trainers of the American Southwest as
well as in Mexico. Both cattle and horses had be traverse large areas of land
and the rider needed to be able to sustain such long and treacherous journeys.
Prior to the creation of the Western saddle there were two types of saddles
used in this area. A la jineta style saddle was created from the style of the
Moors and allowed for the maximum amount of movement for the horse. The second
style, the la estradiota or jousting style of saddle focused on the rider's
security and ability to maneuver and control the horse. A Western saddle is a
combination of both of these designs. It also had an added feature, a saddle
horn. Rope was fasted around the horn as well as the animal’s neck to allow for
even more control. The modern version of the Western saddle still retains the
horn feature. The tree saddle design from Spain also influenced the Western
saddle. The saddle of the American military, the McClellan saddle was also
patterned off of the tree saddle. It was widely used in the American cavalry
regiments.
Purpose
Not only is the Western saddle built for maximum comfort and security but it is
also an active tool used by ranch hands and cowboys. Many beginning riders may
actually use the horn as an added means of support and balance. Every piece of
the saddle however serves a function for a cowboy, from the high cantle to the
heavy stirrups. Its main goal is to be comfortable and functional even after
being ridden for hours on end, all day long, every single day.
Western Horse
The Western Saddle
