Comparison of the Advantages of Rear and Front Hanger Straps on Western Saddles

Other than the saddle horn, one of the biggest distinctions between an English saddle and a western one is the presence of tie straps at the front and back. Western riders use these tie straps for a variety of purposes, from keeping a lasso close at hand when working cattle to keeping a cold drink handy out on the trail.

  1. Lassos and Ropes

    • When you work with cattle, either in the rodeo arena or out on the ranch, you need to keep your lassos and ropes close at hand. Ranchers and cowboys use the front straps on the western saddle to tie up their ropes and keep them ready for use. Keeping the ropes in the front of the saddle makes them easier, and safer, to use.

    Saddle Bags

    • Trail riders need a place to bring all the items they might require on a multi-hour or multi-day ride into the woods, mountains or back country. Those riders typically store everything from rain slickers to extra food and water in a set of saddle bags. Those saddle bags should be secured to the rear straps of the saddle using the longer tie straps found there. Riders who need ready access to water and other beverages out on the trail can use a special horn bag, a small bag that fits over the saddle horn, but the majority of the gear should be in the saddle bags tied to the rear of the saddle.

    Length of Straps

    • The straps on the back of a western saddle are often longer than those on the front. One of the reasons for this disparity is the type of accessories that are generally placed at the back of the saddle. The rear straps are often used to secure larger and bulkier items, such as saddle bags and bedrolls for overnight camping trips. The rear straps on the western saddle can also be used to tie larger items like sleeping bags to the back of the saddle. The large item can be placed behind the saddle seat and secured on each side with the rear straps.

    Freedom of Movement

    • It is not a good idea to place large or bulky items on the front tie straps of a western saddle, especially if you will be doing any rigorous riding or moving at a fast pace. Securing those items with the front tie straps can interfere with the normal movement of the horse's shoulders as the saddle bags and other items move against the horse. It is best to secure those items with the rear ties, which are better suited to that purpose.