Saddle Fenders

[goldpony]

Hello. I am curious about the design/shape/style/types of western saddle fenders. The part that lies against the rider's calf can be different widths and lengths. Are there names for the different fender shapes? Obviously, it keeps the rider's leg from direct contact with the horse's side. Do the fenders make a difference as to which boots you ride in? Thanks! This forum is fabulous!

[AndyKnight]

Hello. I am curious about the design/shape/style/types of western saddle fenders. The part that lies against the rider's calf can be different widths and lengths. Are there names for the different fender shapes? Obviously, it keeps the rider's leg from direct contact with the horse's side. Do the fenders make a difference as to which boots you ride in? Thanks! This forum is fabulous!

It is personal preference however most riders prefer a boot that is high enough to be higher than the bottom edge of the fender. As to the names ......wide fender ...narrow fender... although there are some "gimick" shapes that some saddle outfits come up with for a marketing ploy.

[goldpony]

Thanks Andy! I have a pair of 11" Boulet Packers that catch on the bottom of my husband's saddle fenders. I need taller boots!

[horsewreck]

A few saddle makers put a boot drop or elephant ear on the bottom of the fender on some of their saddles. Fallis saddlery in colorado, Jack Carroll in Arizona, Dave Jones of Florida and others have used this boot drop in the past. Fallis I think is one of the few left that still put it on their saddles (check for a web site for Fallis). That having been said, if one has a saddle that the fender base catches on the top of their boot you can readjust the location of the bend in the fender leg (the bend where the stirrup hangs). Dampen the fender leg with water shorten the fender leg bend just enough to relieve the problem and stick a broomhandle through the stirrups while they dry out. Don't raise the bend to close to the bottom of the fender, only as much as you need to solve the problem. Or you can use this issue as an excuse to buy a new pair of buckaroo boots. That works for me.....