The 1/2 seat saddle style represented by the 1868 HYA slick fork saddle is perhaps the most comfortable western saddle I have ever ridden, and I will
attempt to give some reasons for this opinion.
In the below photo of the saddle ,
note the flatness of the seat. This feature allows a person to sit the center of the seat, where the tree is the most narrow, without being forced back on the cantle by a built up front. To my knowledge, there's no other style of western saddle that can offer this. The placement of the stirrup leathers allows the stirrups to be under, rather than in front of the rider.
Photos #1 and #2 show the California twist constructed into the stirrup leathers. The Leather is twisted 180 degrees to insure the stirrups themselves are always perpendicular to the horse, not flat to the horse (No stirrup leather "training"). The Leathers are then bound with latigo lace to reduce possibility of pressure against the shins. You might be amazed at how much stress on knees and ankles this twist relieves.
These saddles will weigh approx. 35 lbs (without tapaderos, saddle pockets, or other accessories).
For trail and pleasure riding, I highly recommend a 3/4 single rig, less riggin' to fool with, fewer things to drag through the mud. In my experience, a 3/4 rigged saddle stays where it's put and holds the back of saddle down more firmly than a full or 7/8 double with a slack flank cinch. There's also less opportunity for an accident with no slack flank to catch a tree limb or rear hoof. It's a good rig for the inexprienced to learn with, especially youngsters. Folks with roping and other contest requirements, of course, have different needs.
One last comment. These oldtime saddles were designed and
built from the ground up as a using saddle....all day, eight days a week.
A great many contemporary western saddles have their origins in special purpose competition/contest saddles. All you need do is look at the name of the saddle tree. |
