Western Saddle Rigging Demystified

Explanations on how to equip a western saddle often go in much more detail than is really needed by the driver pleasure. Rigging is simple in concept, although it should be noted that installation of the rigging saddlemaker must be very careful and precise in doing it properly. While the basic function of the maneuver is to attach the saddle to the horse, this must be done properly.

Asking a kid (or someone who draws "the image of the stick" as I do) to draw a horse with a saddle on it. The cinch will probably be represented as falling down from the middle of the seat and go towards the middle of the belly of the horse. This would seem natural and in fact the "old timey saddles" of 19 th century were mainly equipped in this way. It's called Center Fire rigging and requires a rather wide cinch (6-8 inches) to keep the place cinch.

The evolution of Rigging Design

Like many other parts of a saddle, the equipment has got to where it is today largely through evolution. Someone could change something that needed to change, experiment a little, 'and come up with a new "design". The circumstances surrounding the use of the saddle that often dictate the need for changes in the approach to the rigging.

With the advent of the saddle horn as an aid in roping, Center Fire rigging was found to have some disadvantages. Rope the calf and stop the horse and the saddle would tend to be pulled forward with the blade, perhaps increasing. The answer to the problem has been found in Rigging complete in which the position of the cinch is directly below the fork or pommel rather than at the center of the seat. Tightening of the cinch on a full-rigged saddle actually pulls the seat slightly forward, while also pulling down so that the saddle is pulled in the lower back of the horse.

If you look closely at the full-rigged saddle you will notice that the RCA does not drop down, but comes forward at a slight angle, going around the sternum of the horse, rather than the center of the belly.

Full rigging still had some disadvantages as a roping saddle and saddle as a pleasure when traveling over rough terrain. The paddle would tend to increase when going downhill or roping a calf. Cowboys Texas are credited with the solution of the problem by the addition of a billet or back cinch attached in a row below the pallet. Add the cinch back and you have double rigging, with a breeze in front of you only single Rigging.

Further improvements have been made both with the provision of the horse or driver comfort in mind, or both. If the cinch is halfway between the blade and the pommel you have Center Fire Rigging, if the cinch is under the apple to have Full Rigging - but you already know.

What happens if the cinch is three quarters of the way from the headstock? The answer - a three Quarters Rigged saddle - seven eighths of the distance (ie approximately at the rear of the pommel - a Seven Eights Rigged saddle).

What about a saddle with a rear cinch only? I have not seen any of the revaluation, although somewhere along the line someone may have tested the idea. They may not have lived to tell about it! In any case, do not try.

Knowledge is Power - Impress your friends

Armed with the knowledge above you can impress your friends with your knowledge of saddlery saddle taking with you to the store and asking to see what they have in the way of a "single seat rigged seven eighths." Probably will not impress the store owner because that's how most saddles are rigged nowadays. In fact seven eighths either single or double maneuvers are the most popular configurations.

You could also ask for a double seat equipped center for fire, in which case the store owner would probably roll their eyes and talk about you long after you leave. The reason - with rigging fire center back is a breeze so close to the front jack which serves no practical purpose.

Rigging single or double?

Double rigging adds stability which is an advantage if you're going to be riding in very rough couontry (high and low) most of the time. Otherwise, the back cinch is "just another piece of leather to worry about", according to some, and prefer single rigging for that reason.

Rings and clamps

There are several ways in which rigging is attached to the shaft or skirt. If you're buying a quality saddle I would not worry too much about O-rings, D rings or plates. Sit in the saddle and see if it is comfortable and then decide if seven or eight or whatever is right for you.

W. Savage. .......