Saddle Horn Wrap Instructions

A western saddle is made with a narrow necked slick leather saddle horn. It is necessary to build up the neck of the horn so a lariat can be dallied around it when roping cattle. Rubber inner tube has been used as a horn wrap; however, rubber deteriorates with heat and hard use. The wrap was traditionally made from a strip of mule hide leather. Leather is more durable and will hold up under years of use. Cow hide leather strips can be purchased for the wrap, or pre-cut mule hide wraps can be purchased from ranch supply stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather strip, 1 1/2 inches wide, 50 to 60 inches long
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a bucket with warm clean water. Place the leather strip in the water to soak until it begins to stretch when you pull on it. Monitor the soaking leather, removing it periodically and pulling on it until it is soaked through enough to stretch.

    • 2

      Cut a four to six inch slit vertically down the center of the leather strip starting one inch from the end.

    • 3

      Push the slit down over the top of the saddle horn so the one inch end of the leather strip is facing forward and the length of the strip is toward the saddle seat. Push the full length of the strip completely through the gullet under the horn. Bring it back toward the seat by going over and around the fork on the right side of the horn.

    • 4

      Pull the strip tight and begin wrapping the strip tightly around the horn neck and under the horn cap in a clockwise direction. Continue wrapping tightly until the wrap is the same diameter as the horn cap.

    • 5

      Bring the leather strip around the right side of the horn and slide the end of the strip through the beginning slit in the gullet. Run the strip over the right side section of the split and under the left side section. Pull the strip tight and leave the wrap to dry which will draw in and tighten the wrap over the end of the strip.

    • 6

      Cut the remainder of the strip off once the wrap has completely dried leaving a two inch tail sticking out of the slit.