Cactus Saddle: Top 3 Horse Saddles For Western Riding
If you're familiar with the cowboy culture of the American Southwest, you might have heard about the legendary "prickly pear" saddles, more commonly known as cactus saddles. These distinctive saddles have been part of cowboy lore for centuries, and their story is as gritty and intriguing as the cowboys who used them.
Believe it or not, these cactus saddles were expertly crafted from dried pads of the prickly pear cactus. The crafty cowboys would shape these pads to fit snugly on a horse's back, all the while ensuring every last spine was carefully removed. Then, with some well-worn leather, they'd fashion a saddle that was not only comfortable but also incredibly durable.
Why did these cactus saddles become such a hit among cowboys? Well, besides their unique origins, these saddles were lightweight and tough-as-nails.
They could handle the harsh Southwestern terrain where ordinary leather saddles often fell short. Plus, if something went awry, these cactus saddles could be patched up on the go, right in the middle of the wild west.
Today, these cactus saddles hold a special place in Western history. They're rare, they're valuable, and collectors are always on the hunt for these unique pieces of the past.
Most Popular Cactus Saddles
Cactus Rancher Horse Saddle
Alright, saddle pals! Today, we're turning the spotlight onto a saddle that's been turning heads in the cowboy community. We're talking about a saddle that's been built with the working cowboy in mind, the one who spends sunrise to sunset on horseback: the Cactus Rancher.
This saddle is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a testament to the cowboy spirit. Picture this: a saddle that gives the horse the best fit, offers the rider utmost comfort, and is designed for maximum usability. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? But that's precisely what the Cactus Rancher promises and delivers.
Handcrafted in Greenville, Texas, by working cowboys, for working cowboys, the Rancher is a true work of art.
Features
Tree: Made from wood and covered in durable fiberglass (with a lifetime warranty to boot).
Bars: Designed specifically for the Quarter Horse.
Gullet: Measuring 8" in height and 6.5" in width.
Cantle Height: A comfortable 3".
Weight: Roughly 40 lbs, give or take a little.
Rigging: In-Skirt style, for a sleek look and easy adjustments.
Material: High-quality Hermann Oak Leather.
Hardware: Resilient Stainless Steel.
Pro Tips
Professional riders have been breaking colts in this saddle for years, and they have nothing but praise for it. Here are a few pro tips and tricks:
Breaking it in: This saddle is durable and built to last, but like any good leather product, it'll feel even better after you've broken it in. So, don't be afraid to really put it to work!
Maintaining comfort: Even on long days, this saddle remains comfortable. But remember, pairing it with a good saddle pad can make your ride even better.
Fit is key: This saddle is known for its excellent fit, but remember that the saddle must suit your horse's build. Always check the fit before you head out on a long ride.
Cowboys who've ridden with the Cactus Rancher rave about its quality, durability, and fit. In fact, it's got a perfect score from its riders: a solid 10 out of 10. So, if you're in the market for a new saddle, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better choice than the Cactus Rancher!
Relentless Roughout Roper
Introducing the Relentless Roughout Roper, a top-notch saddle designed by the legendary Trevor Brazile himself. This saddle is a must-have for cowboys who split their time between the ranch and the arena. Let's dive into its remarkable features and discover some professional tips and tricks!
Features
Tree: Crafted with a wood and fiberglass cover, this saddle boasts exceptional durability and strength. It's built on one of the industry's finest trees, offering a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
Perfect Fit: The saddle features Quarter Horse bars, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for both you and your horse. The gullet height measures 7 ¼ inches, while the gullet width is 6 ½ inches, providing ample room for your horse's comfort.
Ranching Look: The hard seat and pencil roll design add a touch of rustic charm, giving you that authentic ranching look. Not only does it enhance your style, but it also offers excellent comfort during the day-to-day tasks of a cowboy.
Lightweight and Sturdy: Weighing approximately 40 pounds, this saddle strikes the perfect balance between portability and durability. Its sturdy construction allows it to withstand the rigors of the ranch without compromising on comfort.
Dee Cut Skirts: The saddle is equipped with Dee Cut skirts, providing a close contact feel between you and your horse. This feature enhances communication and responsiveness while riding.
Flank Cinch: Included with a 6-inch flank cinch, this saddle ensures a secure fit and prevents unnecessary movement during demanding maneuvers.
Premium Leather: Crafted from top-quality Hermann Oak leather, this saddle guarantees longevity and durability. The material is exceptionally strong and built to withstand the test of time.
Relentless Hardware: The Relentless Roughout is equipped with high-quality hardware, adding a touch of style and functionality to your riding experience. Every detail has been carefully designed to meet the needs of discerning riders.
Luxurious Comfort: The genuine wool skin lining ensures optimal comfort for both you and your horse. It minimizes pressure points and provides a cozy riding experience.
Handcrafted Excellence: Made with pride in Greenville, Texas, this saddle represents the epitome of craftsmanship and attention to detail. It's a testament to the dedication and passion that goes into creating the best saddles on the market.
Relentless Tie-Down Roper
Introducing the Relentless Tie-Down Roper saddle, a product that has undergone rigorous testing with world champion Trevor Brazile to ensure it meets the highest standards of fit, design, and durability. Let's take a closer look at its outstanding features and discover some professional tips and tricks!
Top-Notch Construction: The saddle features a wood and fiberglass-covered tree with a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing exceptional durability and reliability. It's built to withstand the demands of roping, providing you with peace of mind.
Features
Perfect Fit: Designed with Quarter Horse bars, this saddle ensures a comfortable and secure fit for your horse. The gullet measures 7 ¼ inches in height and 6 ½ inches in width, allowing ample space for your horse's comfort.
Enhanced Stability: The saddle sits down close to your horse's back, minimizing roll during the jerk. This feature provides added stability and prevents pressure points, ensuring your horse's comfort during intense maneuvers.
Easy Stepping Off: With a lower cantle height, this saddle allows for ease when stepping off your horse. It provides a smooth and effortless dismounting experience, enhancing your overall riding enjoyment.
Lightweight Design: Weighing approximately 40 pounds, this saddle strikes the perfect balance between portability and sturdiness. It offers easy handling without compromising on durability or rider comfort.
Dee Cut Skirts: Equipped with Dee Cut skirts, this saddle facilitates a close contact feel between you and your horse. This feature enhances communication and responsiveness while riding.
Secure Fit: The saddle comes with a 6-inch flank cinch, ensuring a secure and stable fit during roping and other demanding activities. It helps distribute weight evenly and prevents unwanted movement.
Premium Quality Leather: Crafted from Hermann Oak leather, this saddle epitomizes top-quality craftsmanship. The material is known for its strength, durability, and ability to withstand the rigors of roping.
Stylish Hardware: The Relentless Tie-Down Roper is adorned with Relentless hardware, adding a touch of style and functionality. The hardware is designed to withstand the demands of roping and to complement the overall aesthetics of the saddle.
Luxurious Comfort: The genuine wool skin lining provides optimal comfort for both you and your horse. It minimizes friction and pressure points, ensuring a pleasurable riding experience.
Cactus Saddlery: Modern Champions of the Saddle World
Fast forward to today, and we find a brand that's taken the same rugged spirit and legendary name of the cactus saddle and transformed it into a symbol of quality and style: Cactus Saddlery.
This is the name that rings out in the big leagues like the PRCA, NIRA, and WSTR, being their go-to saddle provider. And it's not just a name; it's a testament to American craftsmanship. Each saddle is a handcrafted masterpiece, born and bred in the USA, using only the finest materials.
But Cactus Saddlery isn't just resting on its laurels. It's all about exceeding expectations. Their saddles, perfected by world-class equestrian professionals, bring together the best of fit, function, and aesthetics. And hey, they've got top-notch customer service to boot.
A Saddle for Every Ride
No matter who you are - a weekend pleasure rider or a professional competitor - Cactus Saddlery has your back. Their product range is as diverse as the riders they serve, promising to have something for everyone.
Ride with the Champions
So, are you ready to saddle up with the champions? With Cactus Saddlery, you're not just riding; you're joining a league of champions. Here's your chance to experience the blend of quality, style, and confidence that comes with a Cactus saddle.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.