Why does this saddle have such a big horn?

Question

http://octagonalstar.deviantart.com/art/This-Cowboy-s-Horse-51089864

Answer 1

It's a ranch saddle. They all have different horn sizes, depending on the maker and other variables. That saddle happens to have a larger horn. A horn can be used in many ways. Having a larger horn allows the rider to utilize it easier.

Answer 2

being that he looks like hes out roping or cutting a herd. hes probably using the horn to hold the rope.

On a "normal" saddle the stem of the horn is usually no thicker than an inch or two. Unless you get a standard wide horn which is closer to 3 inches.

When your roping real cattle (not the show pen calfs you get at competitions). You need to KNOW that your rope isnt going to fly off the horn and you lose the rope and the head.

So to keep the horn from being dismantled it is closer to 4 inches thick at the stem.

Also alot of times the rope isnt on tight enough and the head gets away.

So to make certain alot of people wrap the rope several times. the friction created by each wrap around is built up so that you could probably pull a truck by it and not worry about it pulling out.

So they make the flat top wide enough that you can make plenty of wraps and not worry about it sliding off the top.

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

If they're roping, it can be easier to rap the rope around.