Cowboy Rope & Tack
The rope and tack are the tools of the cowboy trade. Tack is defined as the horse equipment necessary to ride the animal while doing the chores of a cowboy. The tack of a cowboy differs in some ways from other horse tack. It is often more utilitarian and solidly built than saddles and tack used for pleasure or other forms of riding.
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Rope
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The cowboy has a variety of options when it comes to his rope. Historically, ropes were made of rawhide, often called a reata, or hemp. Modern materials used to make rope include nylon and polyester. In addition to deciding on the rope's material, the cowboy makes choices on the lay, or stiffness, and length of the rope. Regional rope preferences exist around the American West, although the individual preferences of the cowboy always govern his choice of rope.
Saddle
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The saddle is the cowboy's seat at the office and is usually his most expensive piece of equipment. The Western or cowboy saddle is defined by several features. Its saddle horn is used to fasten the rope to the saddle when working cattle. The cantle, which is the back of the seat, is often high on a Western saddle to create a secure seat for the cowboy. The saddle can be plain leather or highly decorated, depending on the preference of the cowboy.
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Stirrups
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Stirrups are the part of the saddle where the rider's feet are placed. They vary in style greatly around the American West. An ox-bow stirrup is round and fairly narrow, and it is often used by riders on wilder animals because the larger opening makes it easy to get the foot into. Bell stirrups have a broad, flat bottom and are often used in the buckaroo country of Nevada and Oregon. Tapaderos, or covered stirrups, are often used in the brushy country of Texas to protect the rider's foot.
Bridle and Bit
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The bridle is the leather apparatus used on the head of the horse. It holds the bit, the metal piece held in the mouth of the horse, in place and offers the cowboy a means of control and communication with the horse through the reins. Bits come in a variety of sizes and designs, and a cowboy may possess several and use them interchangeably until he finds one that works well with his horse or horses.
Saddle Bags
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Cowboys often carry saddle bags behind the cantle of the saddle. These are storage pouches for the daily gear of the cowboy.
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References
- Photo Credit western saddle image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com
