Adding back cinch to a single rigged saddle?

[rustyford]

Could one have a back cinch added to this wade? I'm a novice leatherwork enthusiast who's done more small projects, never torn down a saddle or anything, so this seems like something I'd need a professional saddle maker to do. Is such a thing cost prohibitive if possible? Would it devalue the saddle? 

I think a lot depends on the tree etc.? The gal selling it doesn't know much about the saddle. It is a handmade saddle out of Pendleton, OR. The craftsmanship seems high quality. Any thoughts appreciated!

Edited Friday at 09:16 PM by rustyford
Add tags

[bland]

You absolutly could add a back rigging, but why do you want to?  Is your plan to work in it daily roping big critters or are you in steep rough country?  From the pictures it looks like it is aleady rigged back at 3/4 or 5/8, could be wrong the picture angle is not the best.  The back of the rigging probably wraps behind the cantle and it should pull pretty flat and not flip up in the back.  

Cost prohibitive?  What is it worth to you to have the ability to have a rear cinch?  I think you could probably have it done for $300-$500.  It would alter and devalue the saddle some.    

Just my opinion, but I would ride it like it is or pass on this saddle and find one you like for the job you are going to do on it.  

[rustyford]

I appreciate your input. I live in hill country and am riding at an incline more than I am on level ground. I'm not sure what the threshold is for riding that is too steep for a single rigged saddle. This is what it looks like in the front. Pardon my lack of knowledge, but would the part that I've circled be removed and altered to add a rear cinch or is it simply adding on in the back to what is already present? (I am trying to envision how much visible difference would be done to the saddle, the cost would be worth it to me as long as the saddle didn't look half cobbled together or majorly changed in appearance.)

[Goldshot Ron]

I agree with Bland.  Your latest photo tells me that the rigging is placed around the 3/4 position, and the rear strap on the rigging dee is attached around the back of the cantle.  When going down a steep embarkment, your weight leaning back should be sufficient to keep the saddle in place.  The saddle looks well made and well designed.  To make the modification that you are asking about, would easily be $350 and more to reproduce something that would blend with the existing design.