There are more than 10 different types of western saddles that are each adapted for a particular riding discipline. These saddles are designed to be comfortable enough for the cowboys and ranch hands to spend long hours in while also being durable enough to withstand the abuse every day. Though there are many types of western saddles now, they all share many of the same parts.
Western Saddle Parts
The parts of the western saddle from front to back are:
- Skirt
- Carrier
- Latigo
- Concho
- Gullet
- Horn
- Swell
- Rigging ring
- Jockey
- Fender
- Stirrup
- Seat
- Cantle
- Rear housing
- Strings
Measuring a Western Saddle
Western saddles vary in size from about 13-17 inches, moving in increments of one inch. When measuring a western saddle, you are measuring only the seat, starting from the front of the seat where it meets the swell, to the very rear of the seat where it meets the top of the cantle.
See Also:
- The Basics of Leasing a Horse
- Sheath Cleaning for Horses
- Australian Stock Saddle vs. Western Saddle: Which Is Right for Your Needs?
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