Parts of the Western Saddle

Although much heavier than military or English saddles, Western saddles are far more comfortable for the rider and for the horse. Western saddles spread the weight of a rider more evenly across the horse's back. They also have more parts in order to accommodate tools or saddlebags. In order to be most effective, saddle blankets need to be used under the saddle.

  1. Inside

    • Inside of the saddle is the tree, which is the inner framework serving to keep the rider in place. The wooden or plastic tree consists of curves and bars.

    The Seat

    • The lowest part of where you sit is called the seat. The rise behind you is the cantle, while the rise before you is the gullet. In front of that is the distinctive horn, where rope or tools can be fastened.

    Legs

    • Sitting in the saddle, your thighs rest on the seat jockey while your lower legs rest against the fender. At the end of the fender is a hobble strap and stirrup leathers, which hold the stirrups.

    In Between

    • The other parts of the saddle your body does not touch include the parts under the cantle, called the back jockey and skirt. There also is a metal ring where saddle strings hang. Below the gullet, in front of you, is called the latigo.

    Cinches

    • Most Western saddles have two cinches, which are like belts around the horse to keep the saddle in place. The cinch behind the horse's forelegs is called the front cinch and the other is called the flank cinch. These are connected to the saddle by metal rings called rigging dees.