Next to western floral tooling
design, the most important part of the saddle is the rigging -
lift the seat leather at the front - is it solidly screwed on? Are
there any lug straps holding the skirts tight up against the bars?
We have seen riggings which have only been stapled!! Lift rear
jockeys - is there any western floral tooling design?
Turn the saddle up and inspect the lining - is it genuine heavy
sheepskin or a cheaper synthetic material?
Most decorative designs on mass produced saddles are pressed into
the leather under extreme pressure - this compression damages the
fibers of the leather and retards oil penetration. Also it is not
unusual for the pattern to be out of alignment to the outer edges
thus spoiling symmetry
Some manufacturers only lacquer leather for a smarter initial
appearance but once lacquered the leather can't be oiled. The
leather becomes hard and dry - fender legs treated this way have
been known to break off when a stirrup was twisted around to set
it in a proper position
Be it plain or ornate a properly built saddle on a quality fitted
tree will survive the rigors of most western floral tooling
design. Unlike other saddle designs the North American Western
floral tooling design was designed not only to carry the rider but
to do a multitude of jobs - be it roping, pack carrying etc
