Collector’s Corner – Evolution of the Western Saddle
Posted by Jim Olson on Mar 14th 2025
History and beginnings of the Western saddle
Humans domesticated horses thousands of years ago and mankind almost immediately began looking for a better way to ride them. The earliest known saddle-like apparatus was more of a riding pad, and it’s said to have been used by the Romans during the first century BC. But the Western stock saddle, known worldwide as a “Cowboy” saddle, actually traces its roots back to Spanish Colonial times.
Most Spaniards were skilled horsemen, having learned much of their original horsemanship skills from the Moors—who were renowned horsemen going back to medieval times. As the Spanish settled in what is now Mexico and blended with the Indigenous cultures there, a new breed of horseman emerged — what we know today as the Vaquero. They became fine horseman as well. These were the guys who were taking care of livestock in the Southwest and California when the American Pioneers from the East came into the area.
Back then, most Americans rode a fairly flat style of saddle, without a saddle horn, similar English or Military style saddle. However, the influence of the Mexican saddle gradually shaped the way American Pioneers rode. After the War Between the States, the men who would eventually become known as “cowboys,” started driving large herds of cattle north out of Texas. It was during this period the Western stock saddle really evolved. It was an adaptation of the Mexican Vaquero’s saddle, re-designed for the style of ranch work done by American Cowboys.
The Iconic Western Saddle
What we now known as the Western stock saddle underwent style changes and functionality improvements along the way. They tried different variations in rigging, such as single rigging, centerfire rigging, and eventually settled on double rigging (what we mostly use today). There were wood saddle horns, and there were metal horns, large square saddle skirts and short rounded skirts, wood stirrups and metal stirrups, deep seats and flatter seats and on and on. And as Westward expansion continued, certain regions even developed their own styles which they thought to be better suited for cowboys in their areas. There were variations from Montana to Texas and on out to California. To the cowboy of that era, a saddle was the single most important tool he owned.
With the rise of rodeo competitions and Wild West shows post 1900, saddle designs began evolving again. By the 1920s, you see the cantles and swells start to drop so rodeo competitors could get in and out of their saddles easier. The saddle horns disappeared on saddles which were specially designed for riding bucking stock, and there were even special “trick” saddles built for the performers of trick riding events. Today there are specialty saddles for just about every equine discipline you can think of. But the iconic Western stock saddle is still recognizable from those early versions to now.
Hollywood bursts onto the scene
Western movies date back to the early 1900s. Wild West shows even earlier than that. Together, silent movies and Wild West events showcased the American West to the world from the early 1900s, on up until the 1930s. These early depictions greatly romanticized cowboy culture. Then, from about the 1940s thru the 1960s, on screen cowboy popularity peaked and it was considered the Golden Age of Hollywood Westerns. It was the silver screen cowboys and cowgirls which, for better or worse, helped shape the cowboy image worldwide.
Hollywood often glamorized and exaggerated cowboy events and gear, leading to the rise of ornate silver saddles, heavily embellished with intricate tooling, silver conchos, and lavish decorative designs. While these saddles were not practical for everyday ranch work, they became iconic representations of the cowboy and cowgirls in movies, parades, and celebrity showcases.
Classic Western stars such as Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Gene Autry rode in such saddles, influencing generations of riders and collectors. Saddle makers such as Ed Bohlin and Ted Flowers capitalized on this market, making the Hollywood cowboy image even more glamorous.
Men weren’t the only ones who rode horses
It is believed women have been riding horses for as long as men have. However, in many societies, it was once considered vulgar for women to ride astride — with one leg on each side of the horse. To maintain modesty, the sidesaddle was invented, allowing women to ride while keeping both legs on one side of the horse.
While this style was favored among many so-called civilized societies, women in the frontier and outer reaches often rode astride out of necessity, especially when working alongside men or traveling long distances. Then after the turn of the century, gender norms evolved, and so did women’s riding styles. By then, they were competing in rodeo, trick riding and other competitions — doing many things horseback that men did. Side saddles became less prevalent and women simply used a smaller version of what their male counterparts were riding.
Historic Preservation and Collectibility
Preserving old and rare saddles is an important part of honoring our Western history and heritage. While museums play a role in this effort, private collectors are equally important in keeping historical artifacts alive.
There was a time when collecting saddles was extremely popular with the American public, and many enthusiasts had a Western-themed room in their home — often featuring an antique saddle as a centerpiece. While this trend has declined somewhat, historic saddles remain valuable to collectors — with two primary categories emerging:
1) High-End Collectibles – These are the best of the best—truly old or rare saddles in excellent condition, often crafted by well-known makers and featuring beautiful tooling and silver embellishments. Also, saddles of historical significanct fall under this category. These are the types of saddles sought after by experienced collectors and often appreciate in value over time.
2) Entry-Level Collectibles – These saddles are of moderate collectible value, but lack the prestige of the top-tier examples. They are often unmarked (lacking maker stamps), are plain (with little tooling or silver), or are just in rougher condition. While these are less desirable for serious collectors, they are often used as decorative pieces in homes, restaurants, or tourist attractions due to their lower price points.
The saddles most experienced collectors and connoisseurs of Western Memorabilia search out are the best of the best. Truly old, or rare, items in good to great shape. Usually they are made by well-known makers and have good appeal, or maybe some historical significance about them. This is where the money is.
Parting shot
Great saddles are still being made today, with no shortage of skilled saddle makers producing high-quality pieces. However, antique saddles which trace the evolution of the Western Stock saddle—especially those in good condition or with documented history—are becoming increasingly rare.
As with any collectible, quality and provenance matters. If you’re looking to invest in saddles or any Western memorabilia, our best advice is to aim for the upper-end type of collectibles whenever possible. Items in great condition or with historical documentation tend to hold, or appreciate in value over time, whereas mid- and lower-tier items are more susceptible to market trends and fads.
In the end, whether you are a rider, collector, or historian, appreciating and preserving these incredible pieces of Western history is a great way to ensure the legacy of the cowboy and cowgirl for generations to come. Who knowns, maybe you will come across a special piece, and if you do, it’s a treasure worth adding to your collection!
Jim Olson © 2019 Revised 2025
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