Certified Used Saddles by David SolumUnderstanding the Disciplines
Two Disciplines, Two Sets of Demands
Reining and reined cow horse share a common heritage — both trace back to the working ranch horses of the American West. But as competitive sports, they place different physical demands on both horse and rider, and those differences show up directly in saddle design.
The Reining Saddle
- Designed purely for pattern work — circles, spins, sliding stops, rollbacks
- Ultra-flat, smooth seat for deep, quiet riding position
- Minimal, short horn — no roping required
- Round or modified-round skirts for hip freedom during spins
- In-skirt rigging at 7/8 position most common
- Narrow fenders for maximum leg feel
- Lightweight overall — every ounce matters in a Futurity setting
- No front cinch requirements for cattle work
The Cow Horse Saddle
- Must handle reining patterns AND fence work AND boxing/cow work
- Slightly more forward-balanced seat — better for dynamic cow work
- Horn typically taller and more substantial — used in rope & dally classes
- Skirts often longer and slightly squarer for more back coverage
- Rigging often 7/8 to full — more forward for cattle pressure
- Fenders slightly wider — absorbing lateral forces from cow work
- Stronger overall construction for versatility demands
- Breast collar use more common due to varied terrain of events
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Reining Saddle (NRHA) | Reined Cow Horse Saddle (NRCHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Pattern work only — no cattle | Pattern + fence work + cow work |
| Seat Design | Deep, flat, ultra-quiet | Balanced — accommodates forward movement in cow work |
| Horn Style | Short, thin, often rubber-wrapped | Taller, broader — used in rope classes |
| Skirt Shape | Round or semi-round — allows hip freedom | Semi-round to slightly square — more coverage |
| Skirt Length | Short to moderate | Moderate to full — more back support |
| Rigging Position | 7/8 — most common; in-skirt popular | 7/8 to full; sometimes traditional plate |
| Fender Width | Narrow — maximum feel | Moderate — balance feel with lateral support |
| Overall Weight | Lighter preferred | Slightly heavier due to construction demands |
| Horn Use | Never used for roping | Used in rope & dally classes |
| Breast Collar | Optional / less common | Common — especially in fence work |
| Construction | Often lighter, competition-specific | More robust for multi-event demands |
| Price Range (new) | $1,500 – $8,000+ custom | $2,000 – $10,000+ custom |
💡 Can You Use a Reining Saddle for Cow Horse?
Many competitors in the Non Pro divisions do use a reining saddle for the reining and herd work portions of a cow horse show. However, in fence work and cow horse classes where the horse tracks cattle at speed and makes aggressive turns, the slightly higher horn and more supportive seat of a dedicated cow horse saddle gives riders a real advantage — and is strongly preferred for Open competitors working in Snaffle Bit and Hackamore events where cattle work is intense.
Andy Mashke's Approach at Superior Saddles
Andy Mashke builds both dedicated reining saddles and purpose-built cow horse saddles through Superior Saddles. His approach is that while a quality reining saddle can serve double duty at the amateur level, a serious cow horse competitor deserves a saddle designed specifically for the demands of fence work — different ground seat geometry, a horn built to take contact from body and hand during a run, and skirts that don't lift during aggressive lateral movements. Contact Superior Saddles for a consultation on which platform fits your competitive goals.
The Shared DNA
What They Have in Common
Tree Quality Is Everything
Both reining and cow horse saddles live or die by tree quality. A well-made tree from a reputable maker — whether rawhide-covered wood or composite — is the non-negotiable foundation of either discipline's saddle.
Quarter Horse Fit Priority
The vast majority of NRHA and NRCHA horses are Quarter Horses or Quarter Horse crosses with broad, muscular backs. Both saddle types are typically built on full or semi-QH bars to fit these horses correctly.
Leather & Craft Standards
Top-level competitors in both disciplines invest in quality leather and craftsmanship. Hermann Oak leather, Wickett & Craig leather, or similar premium hides are standard for competition-grade saddles in either discipline.