Western Show Saddles

Western show saddles are decorative western saddles.  Usually, western show saddles are more extensively worked than their English counterparts.  Western show saddles will be extremely detailed.  Hand carved leatherwork, along with very intricately carved silver conchos and other additions are typical. The western style of saddle was originally devised for the purpose of working cattle.  Since cowboys were on their horses for most of the day, the saddle needed to be a secure seat from which the cowboy could ride his horse comfortably. The western design has a larger weight bearing area than other saddles.

Western saddles are built on a tree usually made of wood and covered with rawhide.  The tree is the heart of the saddle; the better the tree, the better the saddle, and better trees are usually made of wood.  The wood is then covered with rawhide and then covered with a synthetic coating or varnish.  All visible parts of the saddle are covered with leather.  Foam padding is often used to alter the shape of the seat and make it more comfortable for the rider.  For the comfort of the horse, sheepskin is added to the underside and then the rigging is attached; however, it is also standard practice to add a saddle blanket between the saddle and the horse.  At this point in the manufacturing, the cinch and other rigging is added.  The saddle is now complete and decorative conchos, lacings, and plates are added.

There are obvious differences between English and Western saddles.  The primary difference is that a Western saddle has a significantly larger tree, which makes the overall saddle smaller.  The English saddle is smaller and typically has no padding between the tree and external fleece skirting.  Western saddles usually do not have detachable stirrups.  The English saddle has a girth whereas the Western has a cinch with which to affix saddle to horse.  The girth has a buckle whereas the cinch can have a buckle but usually doesn’t.  Instead it is tied with a latigo, or a flat strap of leather.  The seat and cantle of the Western are more obvious than those on the English saddle.

Usually Western show saddles are seen in parades.  The parade model will usually feature a deeper, more padded seat which allows the rider to sit motionless for longer periods of time.  This conveys a smoother ride to the viewing audience.

The most distinguishing feature however, is the decoration.  Western saddles can be easily customized to reflect the taste of the end user.  Western Show saddles can often be a true expression of the rider's taste and style.  They can also be quite expensive.

Often the highest quality western show saddles are considered artworks.

Share and Enjoy