Welcome to westernshowsaddles.net!
In our store you will find a large selection of Equestrian items such as: Riding-Western, Riding-English, Accessories, Riding-Western, Bits, Bridles, Halters, Headstalls, Reins, Saddle Blankets, Saddle Pads, Saddle Parts & Accessories, Saddles , Spurs, Horse Training & Instruction, Western Showmanship Jackets, Horse Care & Grooming, Horse Boots, Leg Wraps, Splints, Buckets, De-Wormers & Pest Control, Grooming Supplies, Hoods, Masks, Horse Blankets, Sheets, Lead Ropes, Salt Licks, Vitamin Supplements, Equestrian Accessories, Decals, Hooks Keychains, Posters, Signs, Driving, Horsedrawn, Horse Trailers & Accessories, Riding-Australian, Riding-English, Riding-English, Accessories, Bits, Riding-English, Bridles, Cavesons, English Saddles, Riding-English, Gloves, Riding-English, Halters, Helmets, Hats, Reins, English Saddle Blankets, Pads, English, Saddle Parts & Accessories and Rodeo Equipment and Accessories.
The western saddle has an interesting history and development. While it is now considered a uniquely American style, its origins can actually be traced back to the Moorish horsemen and warriors of the Dark Ages. When the Moors invaded Spain in the 700's, they brought with them their unique style of riding and tack. Their saddles were designed for battle, with high cantles and forks for protection and security, and longer stirrups to accommodate riding with armor. This was the saddle of the knights and the crusades.
The Spaniards adapted this saddle into what became known as the Spanish War Saddle. This was the saddle they brought with them to the New World. As their goals in this new country transitioned from military conquest to colonial expansion, this military saddle evolved into a stock saddle, known as the Spanish Stock Saddle. The stock saddle was designed as a tool for the working cowboy and followed the expansion into the American West.
