Western saddles are traditionally made with synthetic materials, like leather, canvas and nylon. These materials are inexpensive to produce and offer consistent quality across different models. However, synthetic materials lack the traditional feel and look of leather and may not feel as comfortable or natural when strung up on a horse.If you’re planning on purchasing a new western saddle, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure that it meets your needs and lasts for years to come. An adjustable saddle is another common choice for people who want a comfortable ride but prefer not to have to spend hours adjusting it each time they get on their horse. This article will teach you about the different types of Western saddles, their materials and their quality so that you can make the best choice possible when shopping for one.
Leather Western Saddles
Leather is by far the most popular material used to make Western saddles, and for good reason! It offers a sturdy and long-lasting base that can be easily adjusted to fit your unique riding needs. Leather also has a rich, natural look and feel that is unmatched by synthetic materials.However, leather is an expensive material to produce, which is why you may be surprised to know that some synthetic materials are even more expensive than their leather equivalents. Synthetic materials are also weaker than leather and may tear or crack more easily.Because leather is such an expensive and hard-wearing material, only high-quality and well-made Western saddles are constructed from this material. A quality leather saddle will last a lifetime if cared for properly. Some signs of a high-quality leather saddle are:- A saddle that is thick and heavy for its size and is made with a thick wooden tree.- A saddle that has a thick leather lining or a thick, padded leather cover.- A saddle with thick leather straps that don’t tear easily due to the thick, hard-wearing leather.- A saddle with metal fittings that are thick and sturdy, not thin plastic.- A saddle with wooden stirrups that are not made of plastic or fiberglass.- A saddle that has good stitching and is not starting to unravel or fray at the edges.- A saddle that has been made with high-quality glue and chemicals to make the glue last longer.
Canvas Western Saddles
Canvas is another common material used to make Western saddles. Unlike leather, which must be conditioned and oiled to maintain its softness and suppleness, canvas is treated with oil to make it water and stain resistant. This makes canvas a cheaper alternative to leather, but it also makes it less durable.If you don’t want to use a synthetic material, a canvas Western saddle may be a good choice for you. But keep in mind that a canvas saddle won’t last as long as a leather one. A good quality canvas Western saddle will last about 5-6 years, compared to 10-15 years for a high-quality leather saddle.A canvas Western saddle should:- Have a wooden tree with thick, sturdy metal fittings.- Be made with sturdy, adjustable leather or rawhide girth and cinch.- Have thick, sturdy, adjustable leather stirrups.- Be built with durable, thick, adjustable metal stirrup bars.- Be made with thick leather or rawhide saddle pads.- Have thick, sturdy leather or rawhide cinch straps.- Be well-made with thick leather or rawhide-bound edges.- Have thick, sturdy leather or rawhide cinch rings.- Have thick, sturdy, adjustable leather or rawhide billets.- Have thick, sturdy, adjustable leather or rawhide tree straps.- Have thick, sturdy, adjustable leather or rawhide tree cinch rings.
Nylon Western Saddles
Nylon is a synthetic material that is often used to make Western saddles. Nylon is cheaper than leather and can be even cheaper than canvas, depending on the brand. Nylon Western saddles are typically less expensive than leather or canvas ones, but they are often of lower quality.Nylon materials are less durable than leather and canvas, which can be problematic if you put a lot of wear and tear on your saddle. A good quality nylon Western saddle will last about 3-5 years, compared to 10-15 years for a high-quality leather saddle.An adjustable nylon Western saddle is another good choice for people who want a comfortable ride but prefer not to have to spend hours adjusting it each time they get on their horse. A good adjustable nylon Western saddle will have thick, thick adjustable stirrup bars and cinch rings, thick adjustable cinch straps and cinch rings, thick adjustable tree straps, thick adjustable tree cinch rings and thick adjustable tree cinch posts.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our article about the different materials used to make Western saddles. Leather and canvas are the most common materials used to make Western saddles, and they’re both very durable and long-lasting. Synthetic materials, such as nylon and synthetic leather, are less durable but are usually less expensive.When shopping for a Western saddle, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure that it meets your needs and lasts for years to come. A good quality Western saddle should be thick and sturdy, and it should be made with thick, thick adjustable stirrup bars, cinch rings and tree cinch bars.