Western saddles are used for western riding and are designed for riders that spend long hours in the saddle, having a wide comfortable seat and high cantle. The weight bearing area of western saddles is large and usually covered with fleece or sheepskin, but must be padded with a saddle blanket to provide a comfortable fit for the horse.
Western saddles are often decorated with carved leatherwork, and western saddles for show purposes are often highly decorated.
Western saddles have wide stirrups that are not designed to detach from the saddle as the cowboy's high-heeled cowboy boots prevent the foot from slipping through.
Western saddles are secured by means of a cinch that is tied on with a leather strap called a latigo rather than using a buckled girth.
The horn at the front of the western saddle is a historical element designed for roping cattle.
