Parts of a Bronc Saddle

Saddle bronc riding is a rodeo event that requires the rider to ride a bucking horse for eight seconds. Bronc riders hold the horses lead rope in one hand and are required to spur the horse with every buck. The saddle that is used in saddle bronc riding is specially made, but is similar to a western saddle without a horn.

  1. Tree and Seat

    • The tree of the bronc saddle is made of wood and provides the frame of the saddle. The tree is then covered in rawhide. The seat of the saddle is where the bronc rider sits. The seat of a bronc rider saddle is deeper than the seat of a western saddle and is designed to help the rider maintain the correct riding position on the bronc.

    Cantle and Swell

    • The swell is the raised, front part of the saddle. The swell of a western saddle is what the horn is attached to, but bronc saddles do not have a horn. The cantle is the raised portion at the back of the seat. A bronc saddle usually has a higher cantle than most western saddles to help the rider sit deeper in the seat. The cantle and seat of the bronc saddle is designed so that the rider's legs come up under the swell to keep the rider's feet in the correct position for spurring.

    Stirrup and Stirrup Leathers

    • Bronc saddles have stirrups that are attached to the saddle with stirrup leathers. While a western saddle has wide fenders on the stirrup leathers, the bronc saddle does not. This is to make sure that the rider is not hindered while spurring the bronc. Stirrups can be made of either fiberglass or wood and can have either a flat or a round bottom.

    Latigo, Cinches Billet

    • The bronc saddle is attached to the horse with the cinch. The billet is a strap of leather that attaches to the d-ring of the saddle and to the cinch. The latigo is a longer strap of leather that is attached to the other d-ring and then buckled or tied to the cinch. The latigo is tightened to ensure that the saddle is secure on the horse. Bronc saddles also have a back cinch attached to the saddle with billets. The back cinch is looser than the front cinch and helps to prevent the saddle from rocking on the horse.