The general population, for the most part, assumes that beyond the difference between English and Western, all saddles are pretty much the same. Anyone who rides, professionally or for pleasure, knows that this is far from accurate. Saddles are as different as the riders who use them and are designed for a particular function.
There are general purpose Western saddles used mainly for pleasure riding, but even these often differ in design depending on whether the goal is a more secure ride for the rider or more freedom and range of motion for the horse. One of the areas where design is extremely important is sporting events and rodeos where rider and mount duplicate the skills that were crucial in the cowboy days of the old west.
Along with saddles made specifically for cutting, barrel racing and reining, the roping saddle is one of the most common. This is a heavier saddle than most and incorporates a very thick and sturdy horn, which is where the rope is secured once the steer or calf has been roped.
A low cantle, which is the raised part in the back, and a slick fork assist the rider in dismounting quickly, sometimes while the horse is still moving. A lot of pressure is placed on the saddle in this event which necessitates a deep seat and horns and trees that are strong enough to withstand the pull.
Most saddles used for roping have padded suede seats. These are preferred by riders due to the extra grip they provide, which can be crucial as directions change instantaneously, and a rider can easily loose his seat.
When it comes to being successful at event roping, the best performers will tell you that it’s a team sport. The rider and horse work as one, and each has to trust the split second reactions of the other. A well-designed, quality saddle is like the third member of the team and can make all the difference in whether it’s a winning day or not. Check out great deals with horse saddle or Albion dressage saddle.
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