This state has a rich history in saddle making, dating back to the early 1900s. By the ’20s and ’30s, when horse-drawn transportation faded and the automobile transformed the nation, the need for harnesses waned, but the art of saddle making remained.
Saddle 101
For those who use saddles, selecting the right type is paramount, as this piece of equipment alone can affect the comfort and performance of both the horse and the rider. A saddle, at its core, is a supportive structure for the rider – its role is to distribute the weight of the rider evenly across the horse’s back. There are 35 different types of saddles, each one used for a different purpose. There are versions for work, for competitive riding, for long-distance, for speed, for control and for stability.
The most common saddle type is the Western, which is utilized for ranch work and cattle driving. There are general-purpose saddles used for jumping, flatwork and hacking in equestrian activities, but can be used for everyday riding, and cutting saddles are used for separating a cow from the herd.
Pleasure saddles, another type of Western saddle, are used for long rides, often in recreational riding, and, as their name suggests, they provide comfort. Trick riding saddles, made for stunt riding, provide stability and safety during maneuvers. Jumping saddles, lighter than a Western saddle, are also a popular option for those involved in English riding disciplines such as show jumping and eventing. They have a lower seat, forward-cut flaps and knee locks to support the rider during jumps. Oklahomans tend to use different types of Western saddles the most, which are designed specifically for comfort, security and durability.
Rodeo Ties
The sport of rodeo grew after World War II, and non-work horse saddles found a demand.
Rodeo events such as barrel racing – when a rider aims for the fastest time navigating around obstacles – demanded saddles for speed and control. Saddles for roping events required an entirely different version to provide stability and strength, while steer wrestling needed support and control.
The barrel racing saddle and the roping saddle are still popular in Oklahoma. In fact, Brett Mock of Mock Brothers in Sand Springs sees purchases of these two types of saddles, both new and used, the most. Additionally, Association tree saddles – commonly used for cowboying, starting colts and rodeo events like bronc riding – remain especially popular.
The Art of the Craft
Crafting a saddle is not just an art, but a science.
Mock shares that the best quote about the art of saddle making comes from his dad and grandpa: “When you cut yourself, don’t bleed on the leather. It stains it.”
Each piece of the saddle serves a purpose. Saddle makers combine traditional handcrafting with modern advancements, which ensures the saddle serves its functional purpose while meeting standards.
Making just one saddle requires significant time and skill, often involving many hours of labor for design, cutting and assembly.
Though the tools and techniques have evolved over the decades, Oklahoma’s saddle makers continue to preserve a craft rooted in heritage, hard work and a deep respect for the bond between horse and rider.
