A popular type of saddle is a rough-out leather saddle. These saddles are popular for many reasons, including functionality for working cowboys.
Let’s talk leather…
Leather saddles are made from heavy hides known as saddle skirting. Skirting comes in different weights, or thickness, and grades, which is the quality. The thickest skirting is used for the heavy wear areas such as the fenders, stirrup leathers and seats.
Skirting has two distinct sides – the grain side, which is smooth, and the flesh side, which is rough. A saddle can be made with either side facing out as the finished side.
Most saddles are made with the grain side out. A saddle with the flesh, or rough, side facing out is called a rough-out saddle. A saddle can be completely rough-out or partially rough-out. Fenders, seat jockeys, and seats are the most common rough-out parts.
The appeal of rough-out is that it provides additional grip and stick for the rider. For those riding for a job where function takes priority over looks (working cowboys, horse trainers), rough-out style saddles are quite common.
Working cowboys can now purchase that same quality rough-out leather on horse tack, as part of their rough-out cowboy gear.
Buckaroo Leather makes a breast collar designed to match the popular rough-out saddles and Buckaroo Wade style saddles.
Breast Collar Old Martingale Style “Choker” BC68RO
Hand crafted from the finest Hermann Oak Rough Out Oiled Golden Bridle Leather w/ chap lining, this old martingale style shaped breast collar (some in the sage call it a "CHOKER") features an over the shoulder fit for a better pulling position. Also featured is the adjustable neck strap and billet. The breast collar is hand edged, rubbed and finished with nickel hardware.
Rough-out leather saddles, wade style saddles and slick fork saddles are all durable and the best choice for the working cowboy.
