These new saddles have been "aged" like they've been on the range.
This stock saddle has the unique 5" "Dog House" stirrups that only survive on examples of 1870s saddles. Whether the wide and deep stirrups were only popular during the '70s, or they only survive on examples from the '70s cannot be determined at this time. They do, however, ride like the platforms on the big cruisin' bikes of today.
1870s Stock Saddle
This six-string saddle is indicative of saddles made in the 1870s in Southwestern Colorado.
The short-necked, large horn shows the Spanish and Texas influence of early stock saddles. The thick wood necks and broad horn caps were suited for the rugged, brushy, country of Southwest Colorado. Cowboys herded cattle intended to feed the local miners. In the rough country, cowboys most often preferred the "hard-and-fast" roping method used by Texas cowboys.
The end of the shorter riata was tied-off to the horn. This allowed the cowboys to make a fast catch in the uneven and often brushy terrain of Colorado mining country.
Rather than have a separate rear jockey, Colorado saddle makers often used a wide curved rigging that served as both the rear rigging and the rear jockey. This was distinctive of Colorado saddlers.
In the often steep country of South West Colorado cattle country, saddles were commonly rigged with wide, double cinchas for stability on the slopes. Each cinch was adjustable from both sides for a secure fit. These "mountain rigged" saddles often incorporated a heavy breast collar and a breachin' strap around the horse's rump.
Two of these saddles were made identical to each other, for use in western films. Both seats are 16". The bars and gullets were designed to fit modern horse breeds with the widest range of compatibility. The trailing ends of the bars are feathered to allow for a more comfortable fit on shorter backed horses.
This style saddle by itself is for sale for $6,000.
To lease these saddles for western film production, call Will for more information: 515-979-7725
