How to Make a Bucking Strap for a Western Saddle

Bucking straps are used by the rider to stay in the saddle if the horse bucks or rears.

Unlike bucking straps used on bulls that encourage the bull to buck, a bucking strap for a western saddle is a strap used by the rider to hold onto should a horse rear, buck or ride over rough terrain. A western saddle bucking strap is also referred to as a "grab latch" or "night latch" as cowboys often use them to hold onto in case they fall asleep while on their horse.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon or cotton lead rope

Instructions

1. Fold the nylon lead rope in half so that its ends are even.

2. Insert one end of the doubled lead rope through the pommel on the western saddle. The pommel is the open space around the saddle horn. The doubled lead rope's two ends hang down.

3. Tie the ends of the lead rope in a sheet bend or any other tight knot that will not come undone.

4. Push the knot backwards to tighten it and make the bucking strap shorter.

5. Slide the knot to the front of the saddle horn so it is out of the way.

Tips & Warnings

• The free ends of the bucking strap rope can be used to encourage the horse to move forward.

• Do not leave the knot too loose on the bucking strap or it will not make a proper strap to hold onto.

References

• Allied Equine: Poor Man's Bucking Strap - Rope NIght Latch - Temp Bucking Strap: Rick Gore Horsemanship

Resources

• Horse Think: Grab Strap Western (Night Latch strap)
• Animated Knots: Sheet Bend