MAILBAG: Did someone mess up?

Below are 2 pictures of the Billy Cook 2182 Arbuckle Wade Ranch saddle - one from the off side and one from the mounting side.   

One observant and curious customer recently asked...

Q: "Why is there an extra ring under the rigging dee on the mounting side - did someone mess up?" 

Here's the answer and a history lesson all at the same time.

A: Back in the day, cowboys often carried hobbles so that when they dismounted in a place where there was nothing to tie their horse to, they could put the hobbles on and know their horse wouldn't stray far.  So in the true spirit of the old west, Billy Cook puts this "hobble dee" on the Arbuckle Wade Ranch saddle to carry hobbles - or whatever else you might want to carry!

By the way, the Arbuckle Wade is our most popular ranch saddle.  Get a closer look at it here:  Billy Cook Arbuckle Wade Ranch Saddle

 

Mailbag: How to Check Your Saddle Seat Size

Q: How can I check if I have the right seat size on my trail saddle?

A: There is some variance due to personal preference. Some riders like to feel more secure while others like a little more space in the seat. Select what feels best for you and what feels most comfortable. It's often better to be a little too big than too snug in the saddle. As a general rule, you want about 3 finger widths between your leg and the pommel (pictured below).

Mailbag: How to Rig a Half Breed Off Billet

Q: Why do Billy Cook saddles and many others have a long strap instead of a traditional off billet on the off side of the saddle? How am I supposed to use this?

A: Many saddle makers now offer a longer strap on the off side called a "double off" or "half breed latigo" strap instead of a traditional off billet. The idea is that this strap be doubled up for better reinforcement and strength over time than the off billet.

Here are some steps to help the new user rig the off side with a half breed latigo:

1. Put one end of the strap through the cinch ring until the ring is in the middle of the strap. The strap should be folded in two with the ends together and the cinch ring at the middle.
2. Run the two loose ends through the dee ring on the right side of the saddle
3. Bring the ends back around and run them back  through the cinch ring again. 
4. Put the metal prong from the cinch through both layers of holes in the strap
5. Then tuck the extra ends into the latigo keeper strap on the underside of the mohair cinch. 

Step 1 - Secure the cinch

Step 2 - Feed off billet through rigging

Step 3 - Make the second loop

Step 4 - Secure cinch with buckle

Step 5 - Use retaining strap for excess length

Mailbag: Shipping Saddles to Australia

Q: I'm from Australia and I want to get a saddle from www.HorseSaddleShop.com but I'm a little concerned about it getting through customs and having to fill out mounds of paperwork. What is the process to get my saddle?

A: (From past AU customer) We initially received a letter from Australia Post. It informed us that the goods had arrived and would be released once they had been assessed by Customs. We had to logon to the Customs website and submit an Import Declaration Form. There is an Importing and Clearing Goods that arrive by International Mail (post) section that has all the information. Basically if the goods you are bringing into the country do not exceed $1000 then you don't have to pay any charges. If the value exceeds $1000 then charges are calculated and the goods aren't released until payment is received. I submitted our form online and it was assessed within five days. I received an email telling me how much I had to pay. The total cost of our saddle, bridle etc was $1832.47 USD. We were charged $347.94 AUD by Customs, which included duty, transport and insurance (T & I), GST and a processing charge. It was payable by BPay, phone, Internet and money order. The saddle arrived a few days after that. It was relatively stress free. We just had to go to our local post office to pick it up.


Horse Saddle Shop provides the necessary documentation to get your saddle smoothly through customs.

Find more information on the official Australian Customs Website.

Mailbag: Professional's Choice Boots

Q: What is the difference between the Professional's Choice protective boots SMBII, SMB3, and Elite?

A: The SMBII boots are great for multipurpose protection. They offer 360-degree protection and provide support to prevent hyperextension. The SMB3 goes further in providing additional elastic stitching around the boot perimeter to keep a snug fit to the horse. This helps keep dirt from getting in behind the boot and irritating the horse. The Elite set themselves apart with contour shape for the best fit. The interior uses VenTech ventilated neoprene to dissipate heat and moisture. The Elite boots are recommended for longer days on the trail and arena.

Mailbag: What bit is right for my young horse?

Q: What bits do you suggest for a 3 year old horse?

A:  When looking for a bit for a young horse, consider a lower port in the mouthpiece.  You want to be able to apply tongue pressure to communicate firmly with your horse.  The shank of the bit will give the rider more leverage.  The longer the shank, the more leverage the rider has for control.  Myler - Level 1 bits are great for starting out a young horse.  They offer enough comfort that won't give unnecessary stress to your horse, while giving you enough power to effectively communicate.

Mailbag : Girth Position

Q:  How far should the girth be from the rigging on each side of my horse?

A:  Typically you would want about 8-10 inches between the cinch and your rigging.  You don't want the cinch to be too small as it needs to have an even pressure on the saddle.  For help determining what size cinch you need, check out our formula on How to Measure Your Horse's Girth.