Sunday, December 31, 2017

SADDLES - A History


Evidence exists that the predecessor to the modern saddle was in use by the Assyrians in 700-800 BCE. It consisted of a simple cloth fastened onto the horse with a surcingle. These early saddles had neither a solid tree nor stirrups. By 300 BC, the Samaritans added a breastplate and girth to keep the saddle on.

The development of the solid saddle tree was significant; it raised the rider above the horse's back, and distributed the rider's weight on the animal's spine. This change greatly increased the comfort of the horse and prolonged its useful life. The invention of the solid saddle tree also allowed development of the stirrup. Without a solid tree, the rider's weight in the stirrups creates abnormal pressure points and makes the horse's back sore.

The first stirrup like object was invented in India, and consisted of a simple leather strap in which the rider's toe was placed. It offered very little support. The nomadic tribes in northern China are thought to have been the inventors of the modern stirrup. The stirrup appeared to be in widespread use across China by 477 AD. The stirrup and it’s use then spread to Europe.

During the Middle Ages, the nights needed a saddle that could help hold them in place and support the weight of heavy armor and weapons. This resulted in a saddle that was built on a wooden tree with both a higher pommel and cantle, making it much harder to knock a rider off during battle. This saddle was padded with wool or horsehair and covered in leather or fabric.

The American stock saddle evolved from the early Spanish Conquistador’s war saddle. The Mexican Vaqueros adapted the saddle, which had a heavy, rigid tree, high fork, high cantle, deep-dished seat, leather skirt and short stirrups. In the late 1700's, the Mexican "California" saddle came about.  It had a fixed, round skirt, along with a more substantial rigging.  The rigging, which consisted of a cinch ring that hung down in line with the front fork and a horizontal strap that ran from the cinch to the back of the tree, secured the saddle. The strong high-peaked pommels of this saddle were ideal for taking a turn around a rope for holding an animal. The Texans then altered the design even more. They kept the wooden tree, horn, cantle and stamped leather but they modified the wooden horn so it was short, thick and covered in leather. The skirt was changed to a plain square skirt and the stirrups were made out of wide, bent pieces of wood which were much stronger than the ones previously used. A second cinch was also added to firmly anchor the saddle. In the 1870's they changed the horn again to a short metal one, as the wooden ones often broke when dealing with a wild cow.

During this time saddle makers were spread throughout the west and were quite busy making and repairing saddles. Many new designs and innovations came about with the input that they received from ranchers, cowboys and the influx from the East. There were many different styles of saddles seen, the "Plantation-style", "Morgan", "Hope" and "Cheyenne" were just a few.

Today, there is no end to the saddles that are designed for a wide variety of uses and riders.

Buckaroo Leather offers quality leather horse tack for all your needs.




Our family has been dedicated for 30+ years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Cowboy Christmas with Buckaroo Leather




Our family has been dedicated for 30+ years in serving the Western Horseman with the safest,
 most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... 
Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand!
Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Monday, November 6, 2017

Winter Trailer Care


The trails have been long and your rides have been great, now it’s time to prepare for winter!  

Winter is going to be here before we know it!  It’s time to winterize your horse trailer.

All types of horse trailers will benefit from a good scrubbing, inside and out.

If you make sure that all waste and dirt are removed, it will help keep your trailer looking good for longer. Here are a few things you’ll want to do:

  • Remove your floor mats, scrub them thoroughly.  Clean away all hay and manure, scrub your floor boards and rinse them clean, so that the waste doesn’t soak in.  Allow the mats to dry completely before you put them back in the trailer.
  • Go over your trailer, lubricate hinges, locks, latches, etc., to prevent them from corroding or  locking up while they aren’t being used. 
  • Check your breakaway brake battery, if so equipped.  Remove and recharge if needed.  Store   the battery in a warm, dry place. 
  •  Inspect your trailer, confirm that your flooring is in good condition.  Replace wood floor   boards and repair any corroded aluminum flooring as needed.
If your trailer has living quarters, it does require a few extra steps.

  • Remove any and all food from your refrigerator, cabinets and drawers. Leave the door open to prevent mold and mildew. 
  • Rodents can cause expensive damage very quickly. Remove bedding, paper products, clothing, magazines or anything that can be used as nesting materials.  
  • Service the hot water heater.  Drain water by opening the relief valve and remove the drain plug. Remember to put the drain plug back in so rodents and other small animals can’t nest in there. It’s also good to flush the water tank with clean water to remove any silt build up in the tank. Also, drain water from your fresh water holding tank and all the water lines in your trailer.  This includes the sink, toilet and shower. 
  •  Drain your gray water and black water tanks. 
  •  Use the appropriate, RV rated, anti-freeze and pump it through the water pipes. Pour anti-freeze into the sink, shower drains, toilet bowl and tank. 
  •  Remove the batteries from all appliances, including the smoke detector. 
  •  Make sure that propane tanks and the main power switch are turned off. 
  •  Remove and recharge the living quarters battery. Store the battery in a warm, dry place. 
  • Clean or replace filters.

Now your trailer is ready for winter!

See all of our tack at www.buckarooleather.com!
Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

The Cinch - It's History and Uses



The cinch (girth) has been in use for nearly 3000 years. The cinch made an appearance around 700 B.C. in the Middle East when Assyrian warriors added straps to their decorative saddle cloths.

In western riding, the girth is referred to as a cinch. The cinch is a piece of horse tack used to keep the western saddle in place on the horse. The purpose of the cinch is to anchor the saddle to the horse as comfortably as possible.  The cinch should not interfere with the horse’s action. The cinch passes under the barrel of the horse. It attaches to the western saddle by a single, wide leather strap on each side, called a latigo or billet. The cinch is one of the most “taken for granted” items on the saddle.

The 
latigo or billet is a wide, flexible leather strap. The latigo is attached to the off (right) side of the western saddle at the saddle's cinch ring or "dee ring", doubled in thickness and knotted or buckled to the cinch. The latigo is usually kept attached to both cinch and saddle at all times, except to make fitting adjustments.

The latigo on the near (left) side is attached to the saddle at all times, but the loose end is used to secure the saddle for riding.  It is attached by running it through the left cinch ring one or more times, back through the saddle's dee ring, and then finally buckled or knotted when tight. The latigo is loosened and removed from the cinch to take the saddle off.

Today’s cinch is made from various types of materials, including nylon, rayon, felt, cotton, and neoprene. The main objective of the cinch is to transfer sweat away from the horse's body and allow for evaporation. The above materials are strong, but do not absorb the sweat.

The old cowboys and traditional Vaqueros wove their cinchas from horse hair. It was effective and strong. In much the same vane of the old Vaqueros, mohair is used in today's cinch weaving.

Mohair is a natural animal fiber made from the hair of the Angora goat. The long silky hair is carded, spun and corded. The mohair is soft, durable, strong, lightweight  and flexible.. Mohair is very absorbent and breathable, thus it is very comfortable for the horse.

The cinchas come in a variety of styles. They are either braided or woven and have different widths and include either brass or silver buckles or d-rings (dee rings).



The traditional vaquero cinch is a 19 strand style. The traditional cowboy and Vaquero woven designs are diamond shapes and have the influence of Native American symbols.
Buckaroo Leather carries these traditional Vaquero cinchas made from mohair and alpaca. These natural fiber cinchas are handmade with a custom design and a traditional cowboy look.

Check out all the fine cinchas available at www.buckarooleather.com 



Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Saturday, September 2, 2017

The Get "Git" Down Rope

            What is the Get Down or "Git Down" Rope?




Many working cowboy ranches embrace the traditions of the Old West Vaqueros. 
These cowboy ranches use traditional Vaquero horse tack and teach the Vaquero ways 
of horse training and horsemanship.

In keeping with this traditional Vaquero style, the Get Down Rope has become popular with not only the old west working cowboy ranches, but the casual riders following the Vaquero style.

The "Git Down Rope " is also very popular in the competitive ranch classes at rodeos and horse shows. These horse competitions demand the use of this rope as well as the Bosalito.

The traditional cowboys used the “git” down rope to keep their horse standing still while they “git” down to shut the gate, pick up something or have a few biscuits by the campfire.


Today, the Get Down Rope is used in the same way, especially in training young horses to stand still. The Get Down Rope is mostly used under a bridle bit set up.  It is never desirable to lead with reins.  When you have a “Git Down Rope”, you have a lead rope.  A Get Down Rope is not designed to tie up with.  

The Get Down Rope is used in place of a halter and is easy to use. 
Watch the HOW TO VIDEO to learn the proper way to attach the old west “git” down rope and the proper, comfortable fit for the horse.

The Get Down Rope consists of a Bosalito or Caveson, a light Bosal hanger, and a 16-18" Get Down Rope.  Ropes are made out of alpaca, horse hair and marine yacht rope. Buckaroo Leather has just the Get Down Rope, in several colors, or the rope with the Bosal and hanger.


Git Down Rope Lead L505 



Git Down Rope 18' long with leather popper. Made from 3/8" Nylon Marine yacht braid with beautiful, natural rawhide button with tassel. Also available in 1/2" cotton with natural rawhide button and cotton tassel. To be used in place of a halter and lead rope with a pencil Bosal and hanger under a bridle for leading. When you "get down" you have a lead. If you need the Bosal also, see below, L505comp.

Git Down Rope w/Bosal Hanger L505comp





Git Down Rope and 3/8" Pencil Bosalito with 1/2" harness leather hanger headstall (complete set as pictured), Get Down Rope is 18' long with leather popper, made of 3/8" nylon marine yacht braid with beautiful, natural rawhide button with tassel. Also available in 1/2" cotton with natural rawhide button and cotton tassel. To be used in place of a halter and lead rope with a pencil Bosal and hanger, under a bridle for leading. When you "get down" you have a lead. Pencil Bosalito is 3/8" and 12 plait beautiful, all natural rawhide braid w/rawhide core. 


See all of our quality, American made tack at:  Buckaroo Leather


Our family has been dedicated for 30+ years in serving the Western Horseman with the safest, most durable Quality, American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand - Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand!

Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Sunday, August 6, 2017



Bucking Rolls – What are they and why use them?



Bucking rolls are two padded pouches that are added to the front of the saddle seat. Most bucking rolls are filled with wool, trimmed from bark-tanned sheepskin. Bucking Rolls supplement the swells on a saddle and help a rider stay secure in the saddle. They are designed to be used with slick fork saddles, which have very little width to their swells.

Modern day bucking rolls seem to have had their start in the late 19th century in the Northwest.  Early models were made of a tube-like construction that extended from one side of the saddle to the other, just to the rear of the fork. Some were fixed and some were removable.

The John Clark Saddlery, of Portland Oregon, is credited with the first patent on a removable bucking roll that looks much like those of today. 

Bucking rolls are usually made of leather and can be very decorative, colorful and attractive. They come in many colors with tooling and decoration.  Usually, they are made of soft chap leather and can sometimes be found in exotic leathers such as ostrich, beaver tail, and shark.

The two rolls are connected in the center, usually with a leather strap. They are created with a curved shape to conform to the contour of the saddle and are attached to the saddle with saddle strings or screws.



Some people may ask, “Why would anyone would choose a slick fork saddle and then add bucking rolls? Why not just get a swell fork saddle to begin with?”

They definitely have their place.  For one thing, they are relatively easily attached and detached, making them handy for people who use their saddles for varied activities. A rider may put them on when they want a more secure seat, but take them off for long distance and trail riding.

Some riders prefer a slick fork saddle with soft bucking rolls over a hard swell fork saddle. Some people just like the way they look!!

Buckaroo Leather Products' bucking rolls are American made from soft chap leather with a beautiful cowboy western stitch pattern or hand basket stamp to fit any saddle. Our bucking rolls come in a variety of colors.

Buckaroo Leather has a nice selection of bucking rolls and can custom make them with your color and stitching choice.  We outfit drill teams and riding clubs with custom colors to match existing tack and clothing.


See our bucking rolls and other fine, American made tack at:





Our family has been dedicated for 30+ years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Monday, July 3, 2017

Buckaroo Leather Sponsored Trainer - Dana Lovell of Running T Horsemanship - 2017 Reno Extreme Mustang Makeover



Buckaroo Leather is proud to have sponsored Dana Lovell, of Running T Horsemanship in Shoshone, Idaho, on her journey with her Mustang Atticus, to the 2017 Reno Extreme Mustang Makeover.  Come along with us on their journey...

This story begins with Atticus being gathered in Nevada, off the Owyhee herd management area on November 25th, 2016. He was gelded three weeks before Dana picked him up on March 10th, 2017. He is 3 to 4 years old and around 14.2 hh. 





At the beginning of April, Buckaroo Leather sponsored Dana and Atticus.  They were provided with a Diamond M Lightweight Saddle, Loping Hackamore and a Buckaroo Headstall for training and competing.  Atticus was looking good!











Here's what Dana had to say about the Diamond M light weight saddle along the way:


"The Diamond M Ranch Saddle is only 24 lbs yet good looking and durable. I am falling in love with how easy it is to carry and swing on a horse. The different rigging options offer me choices to suit my personal preference or to adjust for the horses build to give the most comfortable fit. I really like the deep seat and close contact feel. I am secure, balanced and able to clearly communicate with my horse. The free swinging stirrups are comfortable and allow me the movement I need to make my leg cues clear and concise. This saddle has proven to be a versatile ride. From colt starting to the Cowboy Dressage ring the ease of saddling, comfort and quality has made this my go to saddle.

On Saturday I spent five hours at the horse show in my Diamond M saddle from Buckaroo Leather Products and then Sunday another two hours on the trail. My horse nor I ever became sore. I was dubious at first. Often light weight saddles sit a horse unbalanced and don't offer a lot of support between horse and rider. The Diamond M has been a pleasant surprise. With the ease of saddling, great fit and close contact ride, it is quickly becoming my favorite saddle.


As the days and weeks progressed, 
Atticus was coming along nicely!




Atticus even met some cows along the way!!




Dana and Atticus took time to enjoy some quiet times...


Finally, it was time to head to Reno and 
The 2017 Extreme Mustang Challenge!

THEY MADE IT!


Atticus was feeling good and met potential adopters!!



THE COMPETITION BEGAN!!





THEY ROCKED IT!!!!

Dana Lovell of Running T Horsemanship and Atticus the Mustang finished 6th overall out of a field of 22 trainers and horses! 

Atticus was auctioned off and was a high dollar seller.  He was purchased for $6,500.00.  His new owner is Jessica Venticinque of California.  Dana and Atticus will spend a few more months together and then he will be moving to the Northern California Bay Area with Jessica.  

Watch the Auction!

Take a look at this video of the auction and the moment when Jessica realized Atticus was HERS!


Atticus and Jessica


A GREAT BIG CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE 
BUCKAROO LEATHER FAMILY!

We are so proud of Dana and Atticus and have enjoyed every minute of this journey. We want to wish the best of luck to Jessica and Atticus on their new adventures together!!

To watch Dana Lovell's video reviews of the tack that she and Atticus were outfitted with, click on the links below.  

To preview all of our amazing tack, click on www.buckarooleather.com 




Buckaroo Headstall Review















Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

The Rawhide Reata - A Work of Art




The Vaqueros of the old west were skilled horsemen who valued their horses and their rawhide horse tack. The Vaqueros had many "tools" to assist them with their everyday tasks on the range. One of these "tools" was the rawhide reata (or riata).

The word reata is from the Spanish word reatar, meaning to retie or a rope which ties one animal to another. The rawhide reata was a long braided rawhide rope used by the early Mexican Vaqueros and was, no doubt, first introduced into Mexico by the Spanish conquerors. Though the word reata is often used to refer to any rope; the genuine Vaquero reata was, and is now, a special item. The reata was usually 40 to 80 feet long and was made from twisted strands of rawhide. The finest reatas used rawhide strands, cut by experts, from the most prime part of several young heifer hides. The hides were well chosen and properly cured.

The Reateros (Spanish for "rope maker") were masters at the craft of braiding reatas and other Vaquero rawhide tools. The braiding of the reatas was not only an art form but the braids had uniformity and even tension. This was to ensure a durable working tool for the Vaquero.

The rawhide reata was the most useful tool of the Californio Vaquero and he was highly proficient in handling it. The dexterity displayed by the Vaquero ropers impressed the early American cowhands and the reata was quickly adopted by them, as were other items of equipment used by the Vaqueros. The reata can be thrown farther, with the use of less energy and retaining a more perfect loop, than any other type of rope on the market.

The Mexican way to treat the reata to keep it supple, was to tie it between two trees. Then rub it first with lemon juice (cut a fresh lemon in two and rub the fruit along the length) and then rub it with beef fat (suet). This kept the leather from drying out or becoming stiff. Today, if you use an artificial product it will make the reata too limber.

The reatas of the old west and today are braided in four, six, or eight strands. The eight strand, if made by a top reatero, is a beautiful article and superb for light roping. For average hard work on large stock, the four strand is the best. Diameters vary according to individual preference, but the 3/8” reata is the one most used today and in the old west. Rawhide reatas can vary in degrees of stiffness (called lays in roping circles) depending on the type of rawhide used. For instance, bull hide makes a very stiff rope perfect for heel roping.

The rawhide reatas of the old west were a useful tool of the Vaquero.  One may also look at them as a true work of art and craftsmanship.




Visit www.buckarooleather.com to see American made, high quality, 
leather tack and more!





Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Sunday, April 30, 2017

The Hackamore


Relief from the Bit with a Vaquero Influence

The first Hackamore was probably a piece of rope placed around the nose or head of a horse not long after domestication. These early devices for controlling horses may have been adapted from equipment used to control Camels. Over time, this means of controlling a horse became more sophisticated.

The Persians in 500 b.c. were some of the first ones to use a thick, plaited noseband to help the horse look and move in the same direction. This was called a Hakma. On this Hakma was a third rein added at the nose, which allowed the rider to achieve more power from the horse.  Later, this third rein moved from the top of the noseband to under the chin, where it is still part of the modern Bosal style Hackamore with Mecate reins.

The Hackamore used in the United States came from the Spanish Vaqueros in California. The Hackamore was used by the Vaqueros in the beginning for horse training. The Vaqueros quickly learned that this piece of horse tack was a must for every day riding too.

From this, the American Cowboy adopted two different styles of hackamores, the "Buckaroo" tradition, closely resembling that of the original Vaqueros, and the "Texas" tradition which blended some Spanish techniques with methods from the eastern states.

Bosal Hackamore Style

The Bosal Hackamore uses the Vaqueros tradition of the braided noseband and the Mecate rope. This Vaquero style of Hackamore is used in Western Riding and is an indispensable part of the Vaquero way of making a California reined horse.

Sidepull Headstall / Hackamore

The side pull Hackamore or headstall, is a modern design inspired by the Bosal style. This style has a heavy noseband with side rings that attach the reins on either side of the head. This allows very direct pressure to be applied from side to side. The noseband is made of leather, rawhide, or rope with a leather or synthetic strap under the jaw. It is held on by a leather or synthetic headstall. This style of Hackamore is great for beginning riders.


Today the hackamore is popular in Natural Horsemanship and with horse riders still true to the Vaquero ways. The hackamore is very popular among bitless riders as well, because it does not need a bit. It uses a braided noseband called a Bosal. The Bosal is a special type of noseband that works on pressure points on the horse's face, nose, and chin. 

Buckaroo also offers many traditional “Old Californio” hand braided rawhide bosals for your hackamore, like the Bosalitos Vaquero Style. These bosalitos are braided in the old Vaquero tradition with a forelock tie.

Buckaroo Leather uses the influence of the Vaquero when creating the many styles of Hackamores. Check out the many styles of hackamores and bosals available from Buckaroo Leather, at www.buckarooleather.com 




Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

All About Western Reins





There are several types of Western Reins.  The type of riding you like to do and what type of headstall and bit or bitless bridle, hackamore, etc., that you use will determine your rein choice.  Of course, personal preference will factor into your decision as well.  Let’s look at some of the options available.

Split Reins
Split reins are usually 8’ in length.  They are single pieces of leather which are connected to the bit by loops which are tied, connected by Chicago screws or quick change, swivel and snap closures.  They typically come in 1/ 2”, 3/4”,  5/8” and 1” widths.  These reins are great for many western riding disciplines.  Split reins are used in trail riding, pleasure, reining, training, cutting, etc.  Pictured here are leather split reins.





Romel Reins
The romel rein is a closed rein composed of two parts, the reins and the romel. The reins connect to the bit and make up close to half the length of the entire piece of equipment, while the single romel rein makes up the other half. Romel reins are finished with a heavy harness leather popper at the romel end. Romel reins are great for many western equestrian events, trail horse riding and pleasure riding.  Pictured  here are leather romel reins.





Roping Reins
Roping reins are one continuous loop of leather that attaches at both ends to the bit. Roping reins are used for western speed events, rodeo events and trail riding. Roping reins are shorter than split reins. They come in cotton, alpaca, nylon and leather.  Pictured are leather and alpaca roping reins.






Mecate Reins
The mecate is the rein system of the bosal style hackamore. It is a long rope, traditionally of horsehair, approximately 20–25 feet long and up to about 3/4” in diameter. It is tied to the bosal in a specialized manner that adjusts the fit of the bosal around the muzzle of the horse, and creates both a looped rein and a long free end that can be used for a number of purposes.  The long free end, is often referred to as a “git down rope”.  When a rider is mounted, the free end is coiled and attached to the saddle. When the rider dismounts, the lead rein is not used to tie the horse to a solid object, but rather is used as a lead rope or other various purposes. The mecate rein can also be connected to a bit with leather slobber straps. The traditional mecate was an integral part of the vaquero culture that became the California tradition of western riding. Modern mecates are made not only of horsehair, but can also be made of beautiful alpaca hair and synthetic rope. Pictured here are examples of mecate reins. 


  

To see many more choices of reins, mecates, bosals and other fine leather tack,  see www.buckarooleather.com or on Facebook at Buckaroo Leather Products. 



Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand Visit Our Unique Store Today Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site