Spring Tack Cleaning

Spring is here! Are you ready for that first spring ride?

Start by taking out your leather horse tack and do a "spring check" on all your equipment. The "spring check" includes cleaning, oiling, and conditioning your leather horse tack. This is vital to ensure your first spring ride is safe and enjoyable for both you and your horse.

Spring Tack Check List

1   Take everything apart and inspect all tack, including your saddle for wear. Especially at areas (picture 1) where your tack folds around the bits, buckles and saddle riggings. This is where there will be the most wear and stress. You need to replace any parts cracked or stretched. Chancing it is not worth the safety risk. Take your time; your peace of mind is worth it.

1    Clean all your leather tack and saddle with a generous amount of water and glycerin saddle soap. Don't be afraid to get your leather tack wet. You have to get all the dirt and sweat out.

1   Hang all tack to dry. BEFORE it is completely dry, oil with a good quality neatsfoot oil. The drying process will help carry the oil into the leather.

This "spring check" is a great habit to get into, not only for adults, but for children too. Teaching your children about leather tack and it's proper care, will ensure the safety of both your child and horse.

This springtime check is essential to keep your leather horse tack in good working order for the safety of both rider and horse. Not to mention, increasing the longevity of the leather. Cleaning is important but checking the durability of your leather horse tack is vital!

To stop the wear on your saddle billets, use wear leathers!

One of Buckaroo Leather's innovations is the wear leather, pictured above. They are used on all of our off side billets. The wear leather stops your saddle rigging dee rings from wearing into the billets, which can cause a stress point!

Another important thing to remember, is knowing you have quality leather horse tack to begin with!

A quality leather horse tack will be more durable and much less likely to crack or wear. The following will give some guidelines to follow when choosing quality leather tack.

The four key things to look for in quality leather are:

1. Feel...Is the leather soft and supple? If it feels “dry”, it’s probably not quality. Even though “harness” leather may seem roughed out, it still has a soft and pliable feel.

2. Smell...Quality leather has a fresh warm smell, whereas inferior leather can have a chemical or ammonia like smell. Off odors are the first hint of leathers that are tanned quickly and inexpensively.

3. Color...Even when dyed, quality leather will still be pliable and smell fresh, Inferior leather seems to be “dull”. Dark color dyes can hide lower quality and poorly matched leathers.

4. Check the Detail...Examine the fine stitching, which is less than 12 stitches per inch. All ends should be neatly finished and tucked in. Edges that have been burnished or rubbed, until they are round and hard, before dyeing are also a hallmark of quality. Look for durable hardware with strong steel tongue buckles and rounded edges that won’t cut into the leather. 

Take a look at all of our fine AMERICAN made tack, on our BRAND NEW WEBSITE at:  www.buckarooleather.com

Our family has been dedicated for 35+ 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

All About The Spur

Spurs can be traced back to the Roman Legions of Julius Caesar . The Romans developed the spurs in order to have a way to steer their horses with their legs, while leaving their hands free to fight. These early spurs had a single sharp protrusion. The revolving rowel, used in western spurs today, probably originated in France.

During the age of chivalry, spurs became a mark of rank. Gold or gilded spurs were only worn by knights or royalty. To further indicate their rank and prestige the knights would adorn their spurs with jewels, thus becoming works of art.

In the 15th century, horse armor, called “bards” played an important role in influencing spur design. The armor had a section called the "flanchard" which protected the horse's flanks. In order for the spur to reach the horse, an extremely long shank was developed, up to a foot in length. By the 16th century, the bards popularity became rare and the spur lengths returned to normal.

In Spain, armorers developed large and ornately decorated spurs with rowels. Spur designs in Spain and colonial Mexico were particularly elaborate. For example, the spurs of the Spanish Conquistadors were sometimes called Espuela Grande, the "Grand Spur," and could have rowels as large as six inches around. The conquistadors went to the new world with these ornate designs. Their influence can still be seen today in Mexico and South America. The spur became, and still is, an integral part of the vaquero and cowboy traditions.

Spur styles also changed in the United States. In colonial days, the English style was popular. This style of spur was light and conservative, with a slight curve and small rowel. In 1882, the Calvary wore solid brass spurs that were slightly curved, with a small rowel, black straps, and a brass buckle. After the Civil War, the Calvary used a straight shank and eliminated the rowel.

In Western Riding, spurs are not only used as a tool but seen as an art form. Spur designs include handmade engravings, silver and other precious metals.

The Old West style spur straps are again very popular!

The old Dove Wing shape spur straps, pictured above, without buckles are a very simple design and less expensive than more ornate ones. Once you put them on your spurs, you can leave them attached and just slide off and on the top of your boots.

The old west designs are coming back in style and have beautiful stampings, tooling and hand carvings. They are available with hand engraved silver, brass and bright bling. The wider shapes and designs have a more comfortable feel across the top of your foot and you can be personalized very easily with conchos and buckle sets.

Buckaroo Leather has a wide variety of spur straps to suit every need! 

See our tack at:  www.buckarooleather.com

Our family has been dedicated for 37 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

THE BREAST COLLAR

The breast collar, or breastplate, is a piece of tack used on horses in a variety of disciplines.  The purpose of the breast collar is to keep the saddle or harness from sliding back.

The variation of a breastplate used for western riding, is referred to as a breast collar. The term breastplate is occasionally used, though western riders generally use breast collar to refer to both designs. Breast collars can attach to the saddle rigging or dee rings on the front of the saddle.  In either case, an additional strap usually runs between the front legs and attaches to the cinch. Some western breast collars also have a wither strap.

The breast collar is used on both English and Western saddles. Horses in Western disciplines that involve working with cattle, use a thicker and sturdier style.

The pulling breast collar harness is popular among Western riders, particularly ranchers and ropers. The pulling style breast collar sits just above the line of a horse's shoulders and buckle around the pommel of the saddle. Ranchers, ropers, and others that prefer this style of breast collar, say that pulling breast collars allow the horse more freedom of shoulder movement and better leverage when pulling.

A wither strap, or an over the neck breast collar strap, is designed to go up over the withers to hold your breast collar up in the correct position over the shoulder, so as not to rub across your horse’s shoulder.

Breast collars should not be fitted in any way that will restrict the horse's movement. Special attention should be paid to the shoulders, chest, and the area between the horse's front legs. A general fitting guide is that a fist should fit between the breast collar and the horse's chest, and there should be a hand's width between the wither strap and the withers. The breast strap should have some slack, and the buckle shouldn’t rub the sensitive skin in the area. It should also be adjusted so that the chest straps lie above the point of the shoulder, so that the horse's motion is not restricted.

Breast collars are often tooled, embellished with conchos and personalized in many ways. If you already have a breast collar, your existing tack can be updated and personalized.  You can find our breast collars and all of our American made 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 19^th 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:

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

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!

The Auction

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

Jessica Winning Atticus

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 

Diamond M Saddle Review  

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