JingleBob 7/8 rig vs 3/4 rig

[Brad S]

I used to ride an old longhorn saddle from back when they were a decent wood, and this saddle had a skirt rig that allowed either a 7/8 or a 3/4 rig by where you strung your lattigo. I feel like the 3/4 rig setting allowed the saddle to ride up where it should and still stay out of the shoulders on most horses.

So I swapped the longhorn off when it got a little loose, and I've never had another 3/4 rig, and it always seems like the 7/8 rig never fits as well.

What sez the saddlemaker?

Also, the skirt rig was ok, but I feel like the D rig over the tree gives more attachment with less pressure.

any thoughts anybody?

[Jinglebob]

[V_Key]

Just For Information

[Brad S]

An adjustable rig makes the most sense, I didn't know people still built them that way. My old longhorn saddle was old when I rode it in the 70s, and it was too wide for many horses.

the W rig you mention, is it in the skirt or overthe tree like a D rig - decreased bulk is worthwhile.

also, why no breast plate? You just trying to not look like a team roper

[Jinglebob]

[Soapweed]

I quit using breast collars quite a few years ago. My dad never did use them, and when I was younger I asked him why. He said he'd used one for awhile, but got tired messing with the extra buckles every time he saddled up. I thought, "what a fuddy dud." You know, he was right. The extra buckles are a pain, and most of the time a breast collar is just that much extra weight for a horse to have to pack around.

My old Tom Cat horse got real stiff because I used a breast collar on him all the time. He could hardly walk out of the barn, and it would take him thirty minutes to get warmed up. When I quit using the breast collar, he just seemed to move much more freely.

On one occasion, I was riding a horse in pretty rough country. He was climbing, and the breast collar started to bother him. He wanted to rear up, and it definitely was not the time or the place for such shenanigans. I took it off, and he was fine. You know, life got easier without messing with a breast collar. Just cinch up good and tight, and roping goes just as well without one.

As far as a rigging goes, just a plain unadjustable 7/8 all the time is my preference.

[Big Muddy rancher]

I ride a Ralph Shimon saddle and it has a rig similar to JB's W rig. Just move the latigo back and forth to change positions.

[Heel Fly]

BM I just rode a Shimon saddle today. I'm on the look for a new saddle and my father in law has this one. I really like it. I'm not crazy about the workmanship(I am overly picky when it comes to my tack. One stich out of place and I won't like it. I could have worse habbits) but the saddle sets my horses great and was easy to ride. I only rode for a couple hrs. We'll see after an all day ride.
I was told by a women that designs trees for Crates that the old standard full was the best for the horse since it pulls evenly on the tree. I like to be able to adjust my cinch position esp. if you should sore a horse but still need to use him.
I have been riding a Colorado saddle and they have the 3 way riggin I like that however we own two of the same kind of saddles and both have had tree problems.
If anyone has any input into a good saddle let me know.

[Big Muddy rancher]

Heel Fly you are right about the workman ship on Ralphs saddles. It is not perfect. I think he has some pretty young help and I am not sure how old he is but he is quite the fellow. He does have years of experience and he seems not afraid to try different ideas. I like my saddle ,it has never sored me or my horses. I move the position of my latigo when I end up riding a fatter horse I can move the rigging back ect. He also has the trees shaped a bit different so they seem to fit nicer.

Heel Fly where abouts in Eastern MT are you? I am just off the NE corner above Plentywood.

[Soapweed]

I have ridden Ralph Shimon saddles since 1974, and am on my third one. The workmanship on the Shimon saddles might not be quite as fancy as other handmade custom saddles, but they sure fit a horse. I have owned some other "prettier" saddles during this time period, but I always end up riding the Shimon's because they fit the horses and they feel the best to me.

Ol' Ralph is still going, and he is a character. I remember going to his shop at Torrington quite a few years ago. There was a sign on the door of his house, saying something to the effect, "I eat and take a nap between 12:00 and 1:30. Do not bother me during this time. This means you."

My cousin just got a new Shimon saddle a couple weeks ago. This makes the fifth one that he has. He wanted to get one more, even though he didn't need it yet, just in case Ralph ever retires and quits making them.

[Faster horses]

We have Gail Jerome saddles. He lives in Helena now and has made some excellent saddles that lots of cowboys ride. Only problem, they are so heavy. We asked for a lighter one and didn't get it. But it fits a horse really good and it real nice to ride. Only thing is getting it on one~oh well, we have managed so far.

Ralph Shimon went through a time where he had kids or illegals making the saddles and they weren't much during that time. I know he has made some good ones, however. A friend of ours got one and no way would it fit a horse, any horse. We tried it on a lot of them. It stuck way up in the back. She sent it back and true to his word, he gave her a full refund. That's when we found out what the deal was with others making the saddles.

[katrina]

I ride with a 3/4 riggin.. And have for years.... Just seems to fit better....