Western saddle question?

Question

Hi,

I have a western saddle, and today i brought a homemade whip out with me to ride her. But since i didnt want to put it on my lap because i was sure it was going to fall, and i didnt want to scare my horse with it bieng in my hand. I looked around on my saddle and right behind the saddle horn, there was a hole. I always used that hole to carry the saddle. But now i use it to set the whip in. Is that what its meant for? i really dont know, so i was wondering. Whatever its meant for it sure is helpfull lol!

Answer 1

If it works, use it.  I've ridden both western and english.  Bareback also.  Love horses.

Answer 2

Umm...why do you have a whip with you if you are just gonna store it away under your saddle?? Seems kinda pointless to me....but anyways...most whips have a strap on them...so just hang it from the horn....if your horse is too scared to even see the whip, maybe you should either not ride with one, or stop beating your horse...there is no reason they should fear the whip....unless they have been abused with it....

Answer 3

I wouldn't put the whip there, it'll probably scare your horse more. It's good for your horse to get used to you carrying the whip in your hand

Answer 4

REAL cowboys used to have a dog collar looking thing that they would loop through the hole and hang on to at night when watching the cattle ...when they would start dozing off then  slipping, they always had a grip of something instead of falling off and spooking  the horse and cows

ADD: thanks guys...I knew it was call something, not dog collar looking thing!!

Answer 5

Boxer B, it was/is called a 'night latch'.

That's not what it was meant for. It's part of saddle construction that hasn't evolved very much over the years.

http://www.sowhatchetmulefarminc.com   Click on saddles to see construction and evolution of saddles

Answer 6

As long as it isn't poking your horse, you can use it for all sorts of things.  It's just an air hole...helps keep the horse cool...a whip won't hurt anything.

Answer 7

The "hole" in the saddle to which you are referring allows the circulation of air...I wouldn't use it for the purpose that you mentioned.  Either buy a crop with a loop on the end of it or tie a loop on the end of your homemade whip and just loop it over your saddle horn.  It will bother no one there, and will be handy to get if/when you need it.

Answer 8

i think that hole is to help you hold the saddle and if you want oyu can do like me and and make a sting to go around the end so you can put it aroung the saddle horn  

Answer 9

Just take a string and make a loop at the end of the stick and slip it over the saddle horn. That way it is in reach when needed and you have use of both hands while riding.

A night latch is a safety strap attached to a saddle to help the rider hold on and stay on a contrary horse.  This contraption was used as part of old-time traditional cowboy bronc gear and can still come in handy. It helps you sit deeper in the saddle.

Answer 10

I don't know if that is what is is meant, but i've done it and seen many other people do it to.  

Answer 11

i do not ride western, but I have seen alot of western riders/saddles, but I think it is where those long, thin leather strings are put in on western show saddles. good luck  figuring it out :)

Answer 12

It's not a 'hole' exactly...What you are referring to is the bridge that separates the saddle swells from the tree skirts. This is the area that is high enough to clear  the withers to avoid pressure in the area. This is unique to western style saddles. You will also see them in endurance and trooper style saddles too.