What is a roping saddle?
The term “roping saddle” refers to a Western type of saddle specially built for roping cattle. Most roping saddles are constructed to be what is known as “full-rigged” or “7/8 rigged” which means the front cinch is directly below, or almost directly below, the pommel of the saddle, rather than farther back and closer to the center of the saddle’s seat. The front cinch in this position allows for better handling of the force and stress of roping cattle, both on the saddle and on the horse, but this position can also allow for the back end of the saddle to rise up during roping or when riding in rough country. For that reason, the typical roping saddle also has a second cinch known as a “back cinch” attached to the saddle beneath the cantle to keep the back of the saddle from rising up.
