| In order to understand the Western saddle, it is | | | | the twist has the curve from the front to the back and |
| important to know the parts of a Western saddle that | | | | the flare has a curve at the front and back edges. |
| make up the finished product. Each part has a specific | | | | For the rider, the most important part of a Western |
| and important role to play, but there are three critical | | | | saddle is the seat. The seat plays a large role in |
| parts to a packsaddle that you need to consider in | | | | determining how comfortable it will be when sitting in |
| depth. This includes the saddle tree, the seat and the | | | | the packsaddle nearly all day. |
| rigging. If these three parts of Western saddle are | | | | Lastly, the saddle rigging is important for the safety of |
| properly constructed and designed then the entire | | | | the rider and horse. The rigging is made up of an |
| saddle will be solid and sturdy. | | | | arrangement of rings and plates that hold the saddle in |
| The saddle tree is the foundation of the saddle which | | | | place. This is often the most misunderstood part of a |
| is also the frame upon which all the other parts are | | | | Western saddle. There are two main types of rigging. |
| built. Without a good quality packsaddle frame, you | | | | A front rigging saddle is known as a single rigged |
| won't be able to have a good quality saddle. How well | | | | saddle. Then a saddle with both front and rear rigging |
| a saddle tree fits a horse is based on the shape of | | | | is known as a double rigged saddle. The rear rigging or |
| the bars. A saddle tree can have three types of bars. | | | | flank cinch can help provide additional stabilization for |
| There is the rocker that has the curve on the bottom, | | | | the packsaddle. |