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Western saddles are used for western riding and are the saddles used on working horses on cattle ranches throughout the United States, particularly in the west. They are the " cowboy " saddles familiar to movie viewers, rodeo fans, and those who have gone on trail rides at guest ranches .
A particular difference is the saddles used. The Western saddle is larger and heavier than an English saddle. The western saddle allows the weight of the rider to be spread over a larger area of the horse's back which makes it more comfortable, especially for long days chasing cows. The English saddle is designed to allow the rider to have ...
Tightening the girth, or cinch, of a western saddle. Several types of girth are shaped to allow ample room for the elbows. The Balding style is a flat piece of leather cut into three strips which are crossed and folded in the center, and the Atherstone style is a shaped piece of baghide with a roughly 1.5” wide strip of stronger leather running along the center.
The Western saddle has minimal padding of its own, and must be used with a saddle blanket or pad in order to provide a comfortable fit for the horse. It also has sturdier stirrups and uses a cinch rather than a girth. Its most distinctive feature is the horn on the front of the saddle, originally used to dally a lariat when roping cattle.
Saddles are usually divided into two major categories: "English saddles" and "Western saddles" according to the riding discipline they are used in. Other types of saddles, such as racing saddles, Australian saddles, sidesaddles and endurance saddles do not necessarily fit neatly in either category. [1]: 167-178<
Riders usually wear western shirts, jeans or show pants, and cowboy boots. Chaps are allowed but not always worn. Cowboy hats are traditionally worn, but some riders may choose to wear equestrian helmets. Horse tack typically consists of western saddles, western-style bridles, and saddle blankets. [3] Either a curb or snaffle bit may be used. [4]