Researched, authored and posted November 4, 2015 by author Patricia Nell Warren
SADDLES TODAY. Design of contemporary U.S. Western saddles have followed their own course of evolution, independent of Spain. Often they reflect the needs of specific users -- barrel racers, for instance. But the U.S. cowboy saddle has retained some of its old-time relics, like the strings -- useful for securing jackets or slickers, an old feature shared with Spanish saddles. This one in the Grant-Kohrs collection is post World War II, from the Knapp & Buck Saddlery in Helena -- part of a purchase of several new saddles to replace older models that were stolen from the ranch in the late '40s. It still has a horn, though roping is seldom done to work cattle on U.S. ranches now. But with roping now an established U.S. sport, a saddle horn is a must. This wide flat "dinner plate" horn is often seen on Mexican saddles. This saddle was used by Con Warren's son, Conrad II. (Photo by Kathy Kohrs)