Roping Saddles: When Your Ready To Step It Up and Do Some Serious Roping
A roping saddle is specially designed for roping and ranching, offering unique features different from other Western saddles. These saddles are tough, with a strong tree and reinforced materials to handle the strain of roping cattle.
Roping saddles are made with a strong reinforced saddle horn, crucial for dallying a rope. Yes, other types of saddles can be used for roping, but only a roping saddle is built specifically for it.
What Is A Roping Saddle?
A roping saddle is a type of Western saddle used for roping livestock, competitive rodeo events, and ranch work. It is made with a sturdy, reinforced saddle tree, strong wrapped horn, low swell, deep seat, and reinforced rigging.
Imagine a cowboy on the ranch. He's going full speed to chase down a steer. He lassoes it and swiftly wraps, or dallies, the rope around the saddle’s horn. That horn bears the pull and tug of the steer, testing it's strength. The saddle tree holds up to the pressure and doesn't fall apart. And the cowboy knows his roping saddle is built tough and going to be able to withstand the pressure of ranching, no matter what he throws at it.
What Makes a Roping Saddle Different
And this is what makes a roping saddle different than other types of Western saddles. It's deep seat, low swell, and sturdy wrapped horn keep the rider balanced over the center of the saddle where he can thrown the rope.
What Is A Roping Saddle Made Of?
Roping saddles are heavy duty and built tough. Every element speaks of strength. True roping saddles face an enormous amount of force when a rider snares a steer. The very nature of this event involves high-speed chases, sudden stops, and the tugging weight of captured livestock.
Heavy Tree: Compared to other Western saddles, roping saddles are unmistakably heavier. Their often made with a reinforced metal tree and sturdy horn.
Sturdy Saddle Horn: It's not just any horn. The roping saddle's horn is built to endure. Whether it's a sprinting calf or a strong steer, once they're tied to this horn, they're not breaking free easily. There are 6 types of saddle horns:
No. 1 Horn: It's the go-to horn for many riders, from competing in reining or roping to enjoying a leisurely trail ride. It has a low, strong horn that's a cowboy favorite.
Dally or Post Horn: Built for the rigors of roping, this horn stands taller, with a broader cap and a more vertical orientation than the No. 1 Horn. Its design offers stability, especially when dallying a rope, to prevent the horn from being yanked sideways due to its proximity to the horse's withers.
Cutting Horn: Sleek and tall, the cutting horn, is paired with high, wide swells and a longer, flat seat, is tailored for the quick, sharp movements required in cattle cutting and cow horse competitions.
Hamley or #6 Horn: This is the go-to horn for many ranchers and cowboys. Not too tall or thick, it strikes a balance that makes it adaptable for a variety of riding disciplines.
Texas Dally Horn: Similar to the Dally or Post Horn but shorter, this horn is designed for roping and enjoys popularity particularly in Texas, where it's a staple in the roping community.
Guadalajara Horn: A hallmark of traditional Mexican saddles, this large horn features a flat top that arcs gracefully towards the horse's neck, serving the needs of roping with its distinctive style and function.
Reinforced Rigging: The added heft also originates from the reinforced rigging that's firmly attached to the saddle's tree, amplifying its strength.
Grippy Seat: The last thing a cowboy wants is to slide off when making that crucial catch. Hence, these saddles come with roughout or suede seats, ensuring the rider stays put.
Optimal Stirrup Position: The stirrups are thoughtfully positioned more forward than on your casual pleasure saddles. This design ensures optimal balance and agility during the chase.
Low Cantle and Slick Fork: These features empower the rider with enhanced movement. Should the situation demand, the cowboy can make a swift dismount, no fuss.
How To Buy a Roping Saddle
We recommend buying saddles from your local tack shop or used from a local seller.
Buying online can be fine, but when you're not really sure what you want, it can become a hassle.
If you want to buy a saddle online, just make sure they have an easy return or exchange policy.
Here are some tips to help you find the right roping saddle for you:
Consider the type of roping you will be doing: There are different types of roping, such as team roping, calf roping, and steer roping. Each type of roping requires a different type of saddle. For example, a team roping saddle has a deeper seat and a higher horn than a calf roping saddle, which is designed for quick dismounts.
Look for a strong tree: The tree is the foundation of the saddle and provides support for the rider and the horse. A roping saddle should have a strong, heavy duty tree.
Consider the size: The saddle should fit the rider comfortably and allow for freedom of movement. It should also fit the horse properly and distribute the rider's weight evenly.
Look for a saddle with a deep seat: A deep seat provides stability and security for the rider during the sudden stops and turns of roping.
Pick a good saddle horn: The horn is an important part of a roping saddle, as it is used to dally the rope. A roping saddle should have a sturdy horn that is tall enough to hold the rope securely.
Roughout seat and fenders: A roughout seat and fenders provide extra grip for the rider during the sudden stops and turns of roping.
Weight: A roping saddle is typically heavier than other types of saddles, as it is designed to withstand the rigors of roping. However, the saddle should not be so heavy that it puts undue strain on the horse.
Your budget: Roping saddles can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It's better to buy a high quality used saddle than a low quality brand new saddle. Talk to your local tack shop and look online for some options.
Try out a few different roping saddles before you buy. Sit in the saddle and make sure it is comfortable and provides the support you need. Check the fit on your horse and make sure it distributes your weight evenly. With these tips in mind, you can find the perfect roping saddle.
9 Top Brands For Roping Saddles
1. Billy Cook Saddle: Founded in 1953, Billy Cook Saddlery is a premium western saddle company offering western and roping saddles.
2. Circle Y Saddles: Circle Y roping saddles are one of the best-known roping saddle brands. They may not be the cheapest but definitely one of the best-made roping saddles
3. Cactus Saddles: Cactus Saddlery stocks a smaller range of roping saddles, they are more premium priced and still very popular. Each saddle can be customized to your preference.
4. Corriente Saddles: The Corriente saddle company is made and designed by roping riders. They offer a huge range of affordable roping saddles
5. Martin Saddles: The Martin Saddlery offers ready-made roping saddles and custom-made saddles. The Martin roping saddle is very popular amongst ropers.
6. Dakota Saddles: The Dakota roping saddle is a quality saddle offered at an even more affordable price. Dakota states that they can keep lower prices as they don't hold stock, all saddles are custom made hence they don't have overheads from stocking saddles
7. NRS Roping Saddles: NRS carries both their brand of NRS Saddles and other popular roping brands. They offer a more premium priced roping saddle suitable for both team and calf roping.
Coats Saddlery: Coats Saddlery offers custom-made roping saddles with a very user-friendly customization website, you can choose anything from the tooling, color, and seat style. All their saddles are made locally in the United States.
9. Trent Ward Saddles: Offering both custom roping saddles and ready-to-go roping saddles - Trent Ward Saddlery is known for their generous 10-year warranty and quality saddles. They are not necessarily the largest roping saddle brand in the United States but they do have one of the best reputations due to them being a family-owned company that cares about their customer.
History of Roping Saddles
The roping saddle, while a tool of function today, has deep roots in the history of the American West. Its origins trace back to the Spanish vaqueros, the original cowhands of the Southwest.
These vaqueros are credited with introducing the New World to the skills of roping and cattle work. As they herded cattle across the vast terrains of California, Texas, and Mexico, they recognized the need for specialized equipment that would support their craft.
The early saddles these cowhands used were derived from the Spanish tree saddle.
However, as cattle ranching became an essential part of the American frontier, these saddles evolved, driven by the necessity for a more efficient design suitable for the high-intensity job of roping. The horn, now the defining feature of the roping saddle, became reinforced, ensuring it could withstand the force exerted when roping cattle.
As ranching spread across the plains and into the heart of America, the roping saddle's design further refined. Regional variations appeared, with distinct designs like the Texas, California, and Great Basin styles emerging.
These adaptations, shaped by the specific needs of cowboys in different terrains, bore testimony to the saddle's vital role in the daily life of the American cowboy.
With the rise of rodeo as a popular sport in the late 19th century, the roping saddle once again saw adaptations. The saddle needed to support not just the functional requirements of daily ranching but also the high-octane demands of competitive roping events.
Today, while the essence of the roping saddle remains firmly rooted in its historic past, it reflects centuries of evolution, each iteration a nod to the changing demands of the cowboy and his enduring relationship with the American landscape.
Final Thoughts
In the realm of western riding, the roping saddle is a paragon of resilience and reliability. It’s not just equipment; it's a testament to the cowboy’s enduring spirit, a partner in his adventures, and a witness to his tales of grit and glory.
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.