Cowboys spend long hours on horseback. Thus, Western saddles are considered to be a working tool as it is designed to be comfortable even when ridden in all day. Beginning riders may get the impression that a Western saddle will provide a more secure seat than other saddles. However, the saddle horn is not meant to be a handle to hang onto nor the high cantle and heavy stirrups are not for forcing one into a rigid position.

The Western saddle is actually developed for the purpose of working cattle across vast areas. It allows great freedom of movement to the horse while providing security to the rider and strong control of the horse. The saddle horn is used to control cattle by use of a rope around the animal’s neck that is tied or wrapped around the horn.