The Styles of Worn Saddle Leather

If you are in the market for a new saddle, you have many different styles to choose from. Saddle makers use a number of different techniques to tool their saddle leather and create types of looks that turn heads and get the attention of horse owners. As with any major purchase, it is a good idea to look at the various styles of saddle leather before making your final decision.

  1. Basket Weave

    • Basket weave saddle leather uses a series of interlocking patterns to create a look reminiscent of a basket. These saddles can look particularly striking in dark leather, but this style can be used with light oil saddles as well. Basket weave saddles are popular for show saddles, since they present an understated elegance many competitors and judges like. But basket weave saddles are at home on the trail and ranch as well, and many inexpensive working saddles use the basket weave style.

    Floral

    • Many saddle makers use a floral pattern when designing their western saddles. These saddles typically include a floral pattern on the entire surface of the saddle, from the trim along the back of the saddle seat to the stirrup leathers and the swells along the saddle horn. Depending on the saddle maker, that floral tooling can be very simple or extremely elaborate.

    Stamped

    • A simple stamped saddle can be very attractive, either for the show ring or out on the trail. A stamped saddle typically includes a maker's mark on the bottom of the stirrup leather, or on the saddle horn or at the front of the seat. The rest of the saddle is smooth and stylish, and can be any color, from a very light tan to a dark brown or even black.

    Light vs. Dark Oil

    • The various styles of worn saddle leather are available in a variety of colors, from a very light tan often called light oil, to a very dark brown horsemen refer to as dark oil. Horse owners can also choose froma number of shades between these two extremes, and the type they choose will depend on a number of factors, including the color of the horse and the style of the rider's show outfit. There are often trends in the show ring as well, with light oil in style one season and a darker look preferred the next.