Recreation & Leisure, Western saddles and Evolution on Saddles


by ABDUL VASI - Date: 2008-08-20 - Word Count: 537 Share This!

The western saddle has a remarkable history and development. While it is presently well thought-out as an exclusively American style, its origin can really be traced back to warriors of the Dark Ages and Moorish Horsemen. During 700's when Spain was invaded by Moors, they brought with them their exclusive style of riding and tack. Their saddles were specially intended for battle, with high forks and cantles for security and protection and longer stirrups for accommodating riding with armor. This was considered to be the saddle of the knights and the crusades. The Spaniards modified this saddle and later on it became to be known as Spanish War Saddle. This saddle was brought by them to the new world. As their aims in this new country changed from military invasion to colonial expansion, this military saddle developed into a stock saddle which came to be known as Spanish Stock Saddle. The stock saddle was intended as a means for the working cowboy and pursued the growth into the American West. The evolution of Stock saddle was highly influenced by culture and geography. Different unique styles developed reflecting disparities in climate, culture, terrain and working styles of stock. The insensitive climate, mesquite of the southwest and punishing brush resulted in saddles prepared to protect the rider. The lush land and mild climate of California offered the vaqueros with much more freedom. Their saddles were not only smaller as compared to Texans, but also evolved into great decorative pieces. From the beginning of 1700's till the end of 1950's, the western stock saddle continued to develop with new traits to support cattle work and enhanced construction methods to expand durability, strength and comfort. Saddles are nowadays designed for a wide array of riders and users i.e. for trail or pleasure, rodeo contestant, endurance, team roper, cutter, barrel racer and obviously for working cowboy. These days' western saddles are manufactured, imported and exported throughout the world. But not considering their origins or style, each of these saddles share ancestry and originate from the western stock saddle. Purchasing a western saddle that is being used is often a good choice. Saddles of high-quality can often maintain their value for long period of time. High-quality western saddles of leather are generally well cared for, so they are always available in great shape. Some of the used saddles may have a scratch here and there, however that adds to their quality. While searching for saddles, you should consider different brands, models and types of saddles as you can. This will make you available several options and will help you in selecting best saddle that suits you best. A saddle should be such that it fits the horse perfectly. These used saddles may be found with the horse owners and stables who may be thinking to change a saddle of their horse. Used saddles should be searched at places where you can see, touch and inspect them. The internet is also considered to the best place for finding a better quality used western saddle. Thus, while buying used saddle different alternatives should be taken into consideration and the one which fits to your horse and is perfect for your horse should be opted.


Related Tags: saddles, western saddle, used saddles, saddle bags, english saddle

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