How to Make a Steer Tripping Collar

A steer tripping collar is a type of breastplate used in team roping, generally by the header. The collar is a broad strap attached to the saddle shoulders and the cinch strap; it prevents the saddle from being dragged backward by the weight of the horse. The collar distributes the force evenly across the chest; a slight dip in the top of the collar keeps it from interfering with the horse's breathing.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle skirting leather, 4 inches by 30 inches
  • Grease pencil
  • Cutting wheel
  • Sewing machine with leather needle
  • 5-Cord linen thread
  • (2) 3-inch Stainless-steel D-rings
  • 3/4-inch Stainless-steel D-ring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a shallow half-circle out of the top of the leather strap. The circle should cover the middle third of the strap and should be 1/2 inch deep at the center.

    • 2

      Taper the ends of the strap to just under 3 inches wide. The tapers on the top should start at the ends of the middle half-circle and create a scalloped effect. The bottom edge should be a single half-moon curve.

    • 3

      Thread the end of the strap through a 3-inch stainless-steel D-ring, and wrap the end around the straight bar. The end of the strap should overlap itself by about 3/4 inch.

    • 4

      Sew the end of the strap down using a double vertical line of stitches 1/8 inch from the edge of the strap. Attach the other D-ring to the other end of the strap in the same way.

    • 5

      Cut a small strap 2 inches long and just under 3/4 inch wide from the scraps. Fold one end of the strap through a 3/4 inch stainless-steel D-ring and sew it into place using a double line of stitches. Sew the other end of the strap 1/4 inch in from the bottom center edge of the collar with a double line of stitches.