The Rigging of The Western Saddle
The cowboy had a "working" saddle that did a little of everything on the ranch such as gathering cattle, rescuing cattle, breaking horses, etc. Different saddle types require different "rigging" for each specific use. The term "rigging" is used to refer to how the cinch strap attaches to the saddle to hold the saddle in place. The rigging hardware can be done with several different options. O-rings, D-rings or plates.The two types of rigging are conventional "in tree" rigging and "in-skirt" rigging. Conventional rigging places the bulk of the cinch strap under the rider's leg. With it, the rigging hardware is built directly onto the saddle skirt, either built directly on the skirt or for extra security, built "in" the skirt, where the rigging is attached to an extra metal plate between two layers of leather on the skirt.
The next differences in rigging are the "Single" or "Double" styles. In Single rigging the flank strap is not used. Instead, the rigging hugs the saddle toward a center point. Double rigging includes both the cinch and the flank strap. The double rigging is especially necessary with roping or any other event that may cause the saddle to want to tilt upwards.
Rigging position is dependant on what the saddle is being used for. Three-way rigging allows you the option of choosing a full double rig; 7/8 double rig; or 3/4 double rig. Rigging that sits under the mid-section of the saddle is called a "centerfire" rigging. Each position toward the horn is given a defferent measurement: 5/8, 3/4, or 7/8.
posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 9:03 AM
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