Western Tack: The Saddle

Disclaimer: All of the saddles shown below are general ones and were not chosen due to brand but by what was a good picture to represent the saddle.  I suggest that everyone does their own research when finding a saddle for their horse, as it depends on your individual horses size and shape, as well as your budget constraints.  I feel compelled to mention this, as some people buy based off of brand or because it was mentioned by someone else in a review, and not always in the interest of the horse.  Always buy a saddle that correctly fits YOUR horse.  

  There are many types of western saddles that vary due to the kinds of jobs that the horse and rider are doing.  The 7 major kinds are for: cutting, barrel racing, trail riding, endurance, reining, roping, and all purpose.  The general shape of the saddle does not change too much, but the weight of the saddle and the size/shape of the pommel and horn do vary quite significantly between the major kinds.

  Barrel racing and endurance saddles are both very light, allowing the horse to move more freely under the saddle and run faster around sharp turns around the barrels, as well as just putting less pressure on the horse's back which allows them to run for longer in endurance races.

https://westernsaddlestore.com/14inch-to-16inch-billy-cook-barrel-racing-saddle-1530/

This is a good example of a lightweight barrel racing saddle.  These saddles tend to be flashy and as the racer does not need to carry any gear, there are no saddle strings.

http://steelesaddle.com/product/new-endurance-western/

  This is a great example of an endurance saddle!  Notice that endurance saddles also typically don't have horns on the pommel, and unlike the barrel racing saddle, they have saddle strings for attaching gear.  The skirts and fenders are also way less ornate.

  Reining, cutting, trail and all purpose saddles are a little heavier, as these saddles are ore solid and able to to carry more weight.

  And lastly, roping saddles are the heaviest with robust trees and horns.  The added weight makes the saddle a good "anchor" for when you are roping cows and other animals.

https://texasstarsaddles.com/circle-s-roping-saddle-16in-673016/