I don't know how I ever missed this, but I recently discovered the Night Latch Strap for Western Saddles. It's very similar to the English Grab Strap which is another great product that I was familiar with.
If a horse starts bucking, you have something to hold on to help keep you in the saddle. I would even take it a step further.
What I really like about the Night Latch Strap, is that when a rider is learning to ride, there is something to hold onto instead of the saddle horn.
When a rider holds on to the saddle horn they round their shoulders forward, tip forward, and lift their bottom off of the saddle. All of these things are undesirable. A rider can place two night latch straps on a western saddle if they would like to hold on with two hands for longe line training. They will then keep their position with shoulders back, bottom seated deeply in the saddle, shoulders stacked on top of hips, and still have something to hold onto.
If you don't want to purchase one, you can learn to rig one yourself by clicking HERE.
The possibilities are endless. What a great piece of equipment, thanks Ann-Margaret!
8 comments:
Hi Deanna,
I heard about the night latch by reading Curt Pate's book, Ranch Horsemanship, put out by Western Horseman. I used an old, leather dog collar for mine, though I never had a reason to use it, knock on wood.
Curt Pate points out that, when in a jam, people will grab the horn's top, which creates a stiff arm and stiff body that is likely to then go over the horse's head in a bucking situation. He recommends grabbing the horn from the side, or using the night latch. This tends to plant your rear into the saddle without getting stiffened up, and more likely to stay put. He says between a night latch and grabbing the cantle, there ain't a horse that can shake him loose. Um, I'd rather not try myself...!
Theresa
Hi Theresa,
I love the idea of an old leather dog collar. That's even easier then making your own night latch.
What great information. That totally makes sense. I never even thought about it before!
Thanks so much. I'm glad to have you here commenting again, you are a wealth of information ;)
Deanna
That's a really nifty idea! I have a grab strap on my saddle (all-purpose english) and I love it! Being I'm still working on getting my balance back again, it helps so much in keeping myself balanced without using the reins. I'm sure Diago appreciates it too...LOL!
I never heard of either of these. Pretty cool.
Hi Equine Spirit!
I love that you have a grab strap on your saddle. I am sure when I can ride again, my balance and timing is going to be off too, LOL.
Deanna
Hi Rising Rainbow!
When I found out about about them, the first thing I thought was, "Where have you been all my life". LOL
Deanna
i also heard about it.i have not use this with my saddle.i only use Australian Saddle very comfortable saddle.
Hi David,
I cannot believe how comfortable an Australian Saddle is! When I first tried one, I thought, "This is what I've been missing, wow".
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