A saddle that doesn’t fit isn’t just uncomfortable — it can cause real, lasting problems for a horse’s back, gait, and performance under saddle. Learning how to fit a saddle to a horse properly is one of the most important skills any rider can develop, whether you’re buying your first saddle or trying to figure out why your current one … Read More
How to Clean Roughout Leather: Rough-Out and Suede Saddle Care
Rough-out and suede leather give a saddle grip and a look all its own, but they don’t behave like smooth leather. If you’ve been wondering how to clean roughout leather without flattening the nap or making it slick, the short answer is to brush first, use as little moisture as possible, and go light on oils. Here’s the full routine, … Read More
How to Measure a Horse for a Saddle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to measure a horse for a saddle is the first step toward a saddle that actually fits, and it’s easier than most riders expect. You don’t need special equipment or a trip to a tack shop. At Slone Saddles, every custom build starts with the horse, so we ask for a few simple photos before a single piece … Read More
All-Around Western Saddle: What to Look for in 2026
Riders who compete across multiple events — or split time between ranch work and the arena — need one saddle that can genuinely do it all. Finding the right all-around western saddle means understanding the trade-offs of building for versatility instead of a single event, and knowing which compromises actually matter. What Makes a Saddle Good for All-Around Use Balanced … Read More
Best Barrel Racing Saddle: What to Look for in 2026
Barrel racing puts a different kind of stress on a saddle than roping or all-around events. Speed, tight turns, and split-second balance shifts mean the best barrel racing saddle has to be light, precisely fitted, and built to keep both horse and rider secure through every phase of the pattern. Here’s what actually matters when comparing options. What Makes a … Read More
Slone Saddles: Official Saddle Maker for the 2026 National High School and Junior High Finals Rodeo
Two of the biggest stages in youth rodeo wrapped up this summer, and Slone Saddles was there for both of them. As the official saddle maker for the 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo and National Junior High Finals Rodeo, we had the honor of building the trophy saddles awarded to this year’s champions — a tradition we’ve been proud … Read More
How to Clean and Care for a Leather Saddle
A well-built saddle is meant to last for decades, but only if it’s cared for. Knowing how to clean a leather saddle properly — and how often to do it — is the difference between leather that stays soft and supple for 20 years and leather that starts cracking after five. Whether you’re riding a custom saddle or something that’s … Read More
Best Team Roping Saddles: What to Look for in 2026
Team roping asks more of a saddle than almost any other rodeo event. You’re not just riding — you’re throwing, dallying, sitting back hard against the weight of a steer, and controlling your horse through the corner, all in a matter of seconds. Finding the best team roping saddles means understanding what those specific demands do to a tree, a … Read More
Saddle Design Terms Explained: Rough Out, Smooth Out, and Tooling Degrees
Designing a custom saddle means making a lot of choices, and the vocabulary can feel like a foreign language the first time you see it. What’s the difference between a rough out saddle and a smooth out saddle? What does 1/8 tooled mean, and how is it different from 3/4 or full tooled? What’s a binder, and why does it … Read More
How to Measure your Seat Size
Tod shows us what a saddle that’s too big, too small, and just right looks like, and what to look for to get the best fit for you. And how to properly measure your own seat.