Western Saddles: Inspection Routine
Western Saddle Inspection
A regular inspection of your western saddle can save you a nasty accident or just a pain in the rear if something snaps or breaks miles from home.
Checklist for inspection:
1. The cinches need regular cleaning and this is the ideal time to check for wear. Better be safe than sorry if one of these babies lets go.
2. Latigos and off billet. These parts take a hammering so for the sake of a few dollars replace them regularly.
3. The flank cinch connector strap. This strap holds the flank strap in place and should be kept in good order. Check and replace when neccesary.
4. Stirrup leathers. These get a lot of wear and need replacing as and when they start to look old.
5. Horn wrap although many riders will never dally a steer if you rope on a frequent basis the horn wrap will need replacing fairly often.
6. A close look at the saddle as a whole, check for fraying, splits or tears. A stitch in time saves nine!
The inspection routine will fit in nicely with your cleaning routine (you do have a cleaning routine, don’t you) and won’t take up a lot of time. It is essential for your safety and your horses comfort that you perform these checks and heres hoping you will have years of trouble free riding.
