Parts of a Roping Saddle

To those who do not ride horses, all Western saddles can look the same. But those who do ride understand that each type of Western saddle is designed with a specific use in mind. The roping saddle is one of the most distinctive of all Western saddles, and the various parts of the saddle are built to withstand tough use from both working cowboys and rodeo competitors.

  1. Saddle Horn

    • The saddle horn is perhaps the most distinctive feature of the roping saddle, and it is the one most non-riders point to first. While most Western saddles have horns, the horn on the roping saddle is taller and thicker than that on other types of Western saddles. The horn is also heavily wrapped in leather---this feature helps the horn hold up as ropes are wrapped tight around it in roping competitions and ranch work. When a catch is made in a roping event, the saddle horn needs to hold that rope in place while the cowboy works the calf. The heavy horn on the roping saddle is designed specifically for this purpose.

    Cantle

    • The back of the saddle seat is known as the cantle, and the cantle on a roping saddle is different than the one on other types of Western saddles. Most roping saddles have a very low cantle compared with other types of Western saddles---the lower cantle makes it easier for the rider to swing his leg over the top of the saddle, making mounting and dismounting much easier. Because cowboys must dismount often when working cattle, this lower cantle offers a very practical benefit.

    Saddle Tree

    • The tree is designed to conform to the shape of the horse's back and distribute the weight of the saddle and the rider evenly and without pinching. The tree in a roping saddle is generally heavier and more solid than that of other Western saddles. That means that the roping saddle often weighs much more than the typical Western saddle, with some roping saddles weighing as much as 50 pounds to 60 pounds.

    Stirrups

    • The stirrups on the roping saddle help the rider mount and dismount easily, while reducing the risk that the rider's foot will get hung up in the stirrup. For this reason, many ropers use rounded stirrups that help their boots slide easily in and out of the stirrup.