The Roping Saddle
Roping is a fast-paced sport that requires a well-trained horse and rider who can rope a steer with a lasso while riding at high speeds. Some would argue that the horse is the more important of the team. A roping saddle has an extra-thick horn to allow for tying the lasso around after securing a calf. This is called dallying. The Horse must quickly catch up to the running calf and get the rider in position to rope it. After the calf is roped, the horse must maintain tension on the rope as the cowboy dismounts, throws the calf down and ties three of his legs off. The tie must remain secure and the horse must keep tension the entire time to make sure the calf doesn't escape.All rodeo events are tough, rugged sports that require a quality saddle to compete. The roping saddle is no different. There are subtle changes in all events that require slight modifications in the basic design of the saddle. The seat of a roping saddle is made deep and usually is greatly padded with suede covering for added grip. The fenders are hung in a position to ensure that the rider can remain upright and well-balanced while preparing to rope. The horns and trees are extra strong so as to take the fierce pull of a steer who is trying to get away. The rigging on the roper saddle must be one that pulls off the top of the trees bar and has great strength. The swells of the saddle are kept reasonably low so as to keep the leverage of the rope on the horn to a minimum.
There are many wonderful brands of roping saddles available on the market. Some of the most well known are Billy Cook , Walt Woodard roper, Simco, SaddleKing, Ammerman, Tex Tan and many more.
posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 2:24 PM
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