GRANITE?FALLS?- Most people who came to the Granite Falls Western Fest Rodeo last weekend to watch the bronc busting, bull riding and calf roping probably didn't give a moment's thought to the cowboy's most essential piece of equipment, his saddle.

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@dryforksaddle-blog
GRANITE?FALLS?- Most people who came to the Granite Falls Western Fest Rodeo last weekend to watch the bronc busting, bull riding and calf roping probably didn't give a moment's thought to the cowboy's most essential piece of equipment, his saddle.
ranch saddle
BUT THAT PONY DEAR GOD I NEED IT GETINMYBARN
Precious ponyyyy Dawwe!
siblings by Barrett Bright on Flickr.
Awesome color, perfect for event riding!
English saddle?
Awesome!
How cool is that!
How to identify the parts of your saddle
No matter what type of saddle you own, whether it is a ranch saddle or an event saddle, it is important that you understand the various parts of it. Saddles are also classified as Western or English types. They are actually the same in terms of their components but each has unique features.
The basic part of the saddle which is actually the foundation of it is called a tree. Along with the tree, there are parts that make up the whole saddle. Let's identify them one by one.
Important parts of saddle
Image by: National Saddle Center
5 Commonly Used Saddle Types On The Ranch
Usually there are many types of saddles to choose from. If you are looking for a type that is for a rugged use and long hours of riding on the ranch, there is a certain ranch saddle that is perfect for you.
When choosing a saddle type, you should choose the one that will provide you with a comfortable ride and or while working on the ranch. Here are some commonly used ranch saddles and their details.
98 Wade
- Tree: '98 Wade with laminated integral hardwood wood post horn, rawhide covered with rawhide lace. - Gullet:7½" high by 6¼" wide SQH standard (regular narrower) QH and FQH available). Swell:8½" wide. - Horn:Guadalajara style heart shaped 3" by 5" finished. - Cantle:4" by 12" round (higher and wider available). - Seat:14" to 18" in half inch increments. - Rigging:Standard 7/8 Hamley flat plate with brass or stainless steel rear flanged dee - any rigging style available. - Stirrups:4" bell lined and half covered - standard rawhide or full lined available. - Stirrup leathers:3" full standard. - Weight:Approx. 42 lbs.
Great Basin Association
- Tree:Regular Modified Association with laminated integral woodpost horn. - Gullet: 8" high by 6¼" wide modified or SQH (regular narrow QH or FQH available). - Swell:13" wide. - Horn:Woodpost laminated integral hardwood 3¼" high by 4¼" wide cap. - Cantle:4½' by 13" (higher and wider available). - Seat:14" to 18" in half inch increments. - Rigging:7/8 Hamley flat pjate with flanged rear dee (other styles optional). - Stirrups:3" bell cover your choice others available. - Stirrup leathers:Full leathers standard, with others available. - Skirts:Square standard (other options available). - Weight:Approx. 421bs.
Jordan Valley 3B
- Tree:3B Visalia SQH on mod. QH (available with regular narrow) QH on FQH. - Gullet:8" high by 6¼" wide. - Swell:9". - Horn:#4 bally post with 3½" finished cap. - Cantle:4½" by 12½". - Seat:13" to 18" in half inch increments. - Rigging:7/8 flat plate slot rear standard (other style optional). - Stirrups:1" oxbows standard or your choice. - Stirrup leathers:3" full stirrup leathers. - Skirts:Round Standard. - Weight:Approx. 40 lbs.
Pendleton Association
- Tree:Heavy Association front. - Gullet:8½" high by 6¼" wide (regular (narrower). QH and FQH available). - Swell:14" wide. - Horn:#4 post Dally and 3½" finished cap. - Cantle:4½" by 13" (higher and wider available). - Seat:14" to 18" in half inch increments. - Rigging:7/8 Hamley flat plate with flanged rear dee standard (other styles available) brass and stainless steel. - Stirrups:3" rawhide bell others available. - Stirrup Leathers:3" full regular standard. Others choices are available. - Weight:Approx. 42 lbs.
Uinta Rancher
- Tree:Modified Association. - Gullet:8" high by 6IN' wide standard SQH (regular (narrower) QH or FQH available). - Swell:13" wide. - Horn:#4 Dally post 3½" finished cap. - Cantle:4" by 13" (higher and wider available). - Seat:14" to 18" in half inch increments. - Rigging:7/8 Hamley flat plate at a minimal additional cost and is preferred (other styles available). - Stirrups:3" leather covered ropers standard (other sizes and covers are optional). - Stirrup leathers:3" full leathers (others optional). - Skirts:Square with rounded comers standard (other options available). - Weight: Approx. 42 1bs.
Different Western Saddle Blankets and Pads
If you would like go trendy while riding your horse, there are different of blankets and pads to decorate your english or western saddle. There are designs that could reflect your personality or to add color to your horse for a show.
As you all know, saddle pads and blankets are important because they give comfort to your horse and they especially need it during winter to keep them warm.
So if you would like to show a happy mood, there are festive themed motifs design available on the market. There's a southwest design too.
Some examples:
Double Design Saddle Blanket
Double Weave Saddle Blanket
Different Types of Saddle Trees
The tree that is found underneath the western saddle is one of the most important factor that you need to consider in selecting the right saddle for you. The term tree is referred to the foundation of the saddle. Why they are important? It's because it affects the health and the comfort of your horse while riding.
Generally, there are three angle categories for a saddle tree. Narrow, medium or wide.
Saddle tree angle fitting:
Type of Saddle Tree Forms
Rawhide - recommended for working saddle. It's durable and they flex better. It also uses a fine leather that protects the underlying wood from sweat and water.
Bullhide - built same way as the Rawhide except that it has a thicker leather.
Fiberglass - if you're looking for a cheaper option saddle tree, this is for you. Very durable material and without question protects the wood underneath.
Flex Tree - as the term explains it, this tree flexes to conform to the horse's movement.
Horse Riding Accessories
Horse riding is not complete without these accessories which can be attached to your western saddle. You need these accessories for a great ride and most importantly, both the horse and the rider need to be well equipped with these tools to experience both fun and be safe.
Saddle - the first time you think about riding a horse, what comes first into mind is of course using a saddle. Saddles serve as a support structure for the rider.
--- Saddle pads - these pads are important because they protect your horse's back.
--- Saddle bag - this can be attached to your saddle where you can put your water bottles. They can be placed on the back, side, or front of the saddle.
--- Girth sleeves - girth or cinch is a broad strap attached to the saddle which holds the saddle on the horse's back. To avoid discomfort and uneasiness for your horse, you may need to put a sleeve to prevent the girth from rubbing against the horse’s skin.
--- Saddle Strings - these are used to hold together the pieces of the saddle covering.
--- Sure grip saddle seat cover - for a more comfortable ride, you may need this piece of cover to help prevent slipping.
Asian Games Gold Medalist Mikee Jaworski Champion in World Jumping Challenge
(Mikee and 16-year old Rustic Rouge)
Parts of the Western Saddle
Knowing the parts of the western saddle is important so that you will know how each part play an important role when using it whether for a ride or going to work. All of the saddle parts are important but when considering an over-all good saddle, make sure you look into these three things: the saddle tree, seat and the rigging. If these three are correctly designed and structured for your comfort, then you could say you have the right saddle for your horse.
Refer to the image below for the parts of the western saddle.
Parts of a Western Saddle -- powered by ehow
How to clean your saddle - Saddle Care
Cleaning your saddle is important to keep it in good working condition. You need to ensure the longevity of the tack and to keep it looking good. How often should you clean your saddle? That depends on how you use it. If you just spent the weekend enjoying a small ride with your horse, you may not clean it but if it is exposed often on sweat, mud and dirt, it needs a frequent cleaning.
Here are what you need to clean your English or western saddle:
A mild soap
small sponge
metal cleaner
non detergent leather dressing
a bucket of water
soft towel
Undo your saddles buckles and place it in a rack.
Lightly wet a soft dust-free cloth or a sponge and dip it in a saddle soap and wipe the entire saddle.
Wipe the soap off the saddle using a soft towel.
Apply the non detergent leather dressing.
Clean the metals fittings and other parts
There you have it. It's recommended that before hanging your saddle, clean it especially if you're not using it for the next days.
Western Saddle - Wade Trail
A Wade Saddle is a type of a western saddle that is one of the most popular choice of saddles both for work and recreation. Well, according to history, this type of saddle was inspired by Spanish-speaking inhabitants, in which their saddles are designed to provide comfort and balance both to the rider and the horse.
Wade Saddles are built on a special tree that has distinct shape and features. As with the most types of western saddles, it has no built-in padding so you'll need to put something that will provide comfort at the horse's back.
Dry Fork Tack's version is called Wade Trail saddle, giving a new twist on a great favorite saddle.
Here's how it looks:
Tree: McCall Wade Lite® with laminated integral wood post horn rawhide covered with rawhide laced.
Gutlet: 8½" high by 6¼" wide SQH or modified QH standard (regular (narrower) QH and FQIt available).
Swell: 7" wide.
Horn: 3" high by 4½" finished.
Cantle: 4" by 12" round (higher and wider available)
Seat: 14" to 18" in half inch increments.
Skirt: Small round Mother Hubbard with flanged rear dee.
Rigging: Custom deep drop 7/8" inskirt with dee style rigging plate.
Stirrups: 2" or 3" raw bell bottom or cushioned tread nylon standard or cover of your choice.
Stirurrup leathers: 2" Half leathers standard - any style available.
Weight: Approx. 30 lbs.