Is there a downside to using 2 off billets instead of a tie strap to secure a western saddle?

Question

I want to replace the nylon web tie strap and off billet on my 1/2 synthetic western saddle with leather ones, and was wondering if there is a reason I shouldn't use two billet straps instead of the usual off billet and long tie strap on the near side.

Answer 1

the reason that they dont have two off billets on a saddle is because you wouldnt be able to tighten it enough. like a pervious poster said, a latigo tightens with the use of leverage, and there isnt enough from just the billet. plus, you wouldnt be able to use the saddle on many different sized horses. if you did decide to do this, you wouldnt be able to tighten the cinch enough, resulting in many toppled saddles and unsafe rides.  

Answer 2

I contemplated this also.  I think the only real problem would be that if you have 2 leather strips with punched holes, there's going to be an inch or two limit as to how tight you can get the girth.  The nylon allows you to get the girth nice and snug because you don't have to look for a hole to fit it into.  I thought about replacing mine, just for aesthetics, but for comfort and safety decided to stick with the nylon strap.

Answer 3

You tighten the girth with that long tie strap, and it can range 6 inches or more in shortening it from when you first tighten the girth to when you do the final tightening.  It gets wrapped as many times as needed from the girth through the saddle ring, and  either tied or secured with a buckle tongue (not all saddles have one).  There is no way it would work.

Answer 4

You can use either,go to this page and read it. It has photo's and explains   just copu and past in brouser this sight. http://www.western-saddle-guide.com/off-...

Answer 5

The reason you can't use billets instead of latigo on your left side of your saddle is that they can't crank (tighten) down close enough.  With a latigo, you can tighten it with leverage, but you can't get enough leverage with billets?  Get what I'm saying?

I'd change it out for a leather latigo strap and you'll be thankful that you did.