Re: Construction
Posted by Anita/Sidesaddle on May 05, 1998 at 00:46:40:
In response to Construction question, written by Carolyn B on May 03, 1998 at 18:07:38
] Would the horns on a 19th c. sidesaddle be wood or metal?
] I understand the horn on a western working saddle was made with metal after the wooden ones kept breaking when used for heavy duty work like roping cattle,etc., but I suppose a lady doesn't weigh as much as a cow!
Usually, on an English the wood tree was reinforced with metal strap that went down the front of the horn and across the gullet - the upward curve underneath. Most of the western ones were rawhide covered wood - that's pretty tough to break. The only way to break it is if it is dropped directly on the horn or if the horse goes down on it. The leaping horn on both was made from metal (steel) with a bolt (essentially) welded to it at the base and covered with padding and leather.
I would be interested in more detail on the comment of the horn getting broken from roping cattle, because I thougt they wouldn't have been able to dally from the top horn - that would have been tremendously dangerous. I'll admit I haven't done any heavy duty research into the old west/sidesaddle riders lifestyle, but I didn't picture the women actually doing the roping of the cattle. I knew they did round up and cut cattle, but alas, I am in the dark any further than that!
Thanks for that great link - I know several people who will be interested to check it out.
- oops! what I meant by Western horns Carolyn B 18:28:20 5/05/98
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- Thanks for the clarification. I get so... Anita/Sidesaddle 02:31:16 5/08/98
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- Thanks for the clarification. I get so... Anita/Sidesaddle 02:31:16 5/08/98
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