When you think of a fender, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Right, a car. What does a fender have to do with a horse?

  Are You Wondering What is a Fender Doing With Parts Of A Western Saddle?

A horse back rider will tell you that a fender is just one the parts of  western saddle. Okay, so where is a fender on a saddle? The fenders are the long vertical pieces that you see under the rider’s legs. They are there to protect the rider’s legs from a horse’s sweat. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it would be to ride a horse all day long and not have a barrier to protect your legs?

It’s bad enough that you are probably sweating and then you are adding the horse’s sweat in to the equation too. There’s probably a good chance that your legs would end up getting pretty chapped too.

The fenders are not the only parts of a western saddle that people who are not horseback riders would recognize. Most people can name a few pieces to the saddle. The saddle horn, seat and stirrups are the most easily recognized materials. Have you heard of the gullet? Cantle? What about a Cheyenne roll?

These are but a few of the names of pieces that you can find on a western saddle. Considering how important these pieces are you would think that more people would know what they are called.

Take the gullet. This is part of the saddle (under the fork) that rides over the horse’s withers. It is essential that this piece is measured correctly because it affects the placement of the saddle. If it is too short then the saddle will rub the horse’s withers. If it is too wide too will rub the horse’s withers. The difference is that it will also cause the saddle to sit low on the horse’s shoulders. This can lead to a cranky horse.

When the saddle is made, all of the pieces should be measured and made for the rider. This makes for a better ride for not only the rider but the horse too. The foundation of the saddle should be perfect. This is called the saddle tree. If the saddle tree is not perfect, then the rest of the saddle will not be made right. This can mean that the saddle will not be positioned right or the feel of the saddle may not be right for either you or your horse.

Yes, you getting the saddle made to fit you; but it needs to fit your horse properly too. When the saddle doesn’t fit right, you will have an unhappy horse. This horse may be very difficult to ride.

Another thing to worry about is the placement of some pieces. Some misplaced or improperly fitted parts of the saddle will actually spook a horse. A horse that is spooked is very difficult to keep control of.

You need to work with your saddle maker to make the right saddle for you. Knowing what the names of the parts are helps you understand what he talking about when you discuss the saddle.