Western Saddles
(this article is a draft only and should not be relied on)
(this article is a draft only and should not be relied on)
The western sidesaddle was invented by
Charles Goodnight, cattle rancher, for his first wife Mary in
1890. Carriages were not practical transportation in the west at
that time, and some of the features of the English sidesaddle weren't
up to the task of the following cattle all day long.
Starting with a man's western style tree, the Goodnight saddle sits close to the horses back which helps to keep the saddle from rolling or slipping side to side. This style tree is also somewhat more forgiving when used on different horses. A leather seat was more durable and didn't get as sodden as suede or cloth seats on many catalog saddles. And the western trail saddle was designed to be easily repairable.
Goodnight's saddle included a leaping head, used a rawhide covered tree, and large skirts with strings, giving the saddle strength and durability.
Starting with a man's western style tree, the Goodnight saddle sits close to the horses back which helps to keep the saddle from rolling or slipping side to side. This style tree is also somewhat more forgiving when used on different horses. A leather seat was more durable and didn't get as sodden as suede or cloth seats on many catalog saddles. And the western trail saddle was designed to be easily repairable.
Goodnight's saddle included a leaping head, used a rawhide covered tree, and large skirts with strings, giving the saddle strength and durability.
Rewart and Morgan
Under Construction
Modern Western Saddles
Under Construction
Hats
Continue to Western Saddles GalleryContinue to Article
Partners
