bucking Straps

[TwinOaks]

Thanks for the reminder, Bruce. I couldn't for the life of me remember where it was at. Here's the link.

Mike

[entiendo]

Thank you so much...I didn't quite get what you are trying to explain Twin Oaks, I'm only a braider so that doesn't help, but I'm going to check out that old thread.

[AndersHeintz]

Thanks for posting the link Mike, it was a great read!

[entiendo]

Yes it was a great read. I even sent the link to one of the gals that wanted one. She's having second thoughts but said she only wanted it for decoration, so I was correct there. I don't mind making one for my friends but knowing what I do now I'm not sure I'd make them for anyone else. I'm wondering if they can be made like English breakaway stirrups. A band would attach some how and break away if there was to much pressure. It really would be a pretty thing to dress up a plain saddle, just for the heck of it. Yes, I kind of want one for my saddle too. I have a completely plain all rough out treeless saddle with no horn, it could use a little color and a few pretty buttons.

[TwinOaks]

How about short stitching it? By this I mean figure out the approximate breaking strength for a series of stitches/laces, and keep the attachment strength below a certain level. Maybe make the strap attachment strong enough to support the saddle's weight, but would break at +15 lbs? That seems strong enough be useful for seating adjustments, or handling the saddle, but would give quickly when subjected to a shock impulse of 50+ lbs.

I kinda feel like I'm outta my league with answering this one, so hopefully some of the more experienced saddlers will chime in.

[entiendo]

How about short stitching it? By this I mean figure out the approximate breaking strength for a series of stitches/laces, and keep the attachment strength below a certain level. Maybe make the strap attachment strong enough to support the saddle's weight, but would break at +15 lbs? That seems strong enough be useful for seating adjustments, or handling the saddle, but would give quickly when subjected to a shock impulse of 50+ lbs.

I kinda feel like I'm outta my league with answering this one, so hopefully some of the more experienced saddlers will chime in.

I was thinking about leather too, but how thick to cut it is the qestion. Maybe I can do a bit of research on that. I could give them a few strings. I'm thinking 2 loops on the ends and just tie it with a piece of leather.

[bruce johnson]

Without getting into the reasons for and against nightlatches, that has already been discussed. If you are going to build one, and the rider is going to use one as intended, it needs to not break away. If it is going to be a decoration, then I would question whether it is going to just be a nuisance that someone will accidentally hang up in and cause a wreck that might not have needed to happen otherwise. There are enough people hanging a spur up in saddle bags, horn pockets to carry lunch or a camera, or water bottle pockets getting on or running a limb through them, I am not sure that adding a loop around the fork is a good idea for most people.

[entiendo]

There sure are a lot of opinions on this.

Not sure what could get hung up on it. The horn is the most dangerous piece of equipment on my saddles, hate those things! They should not be allowed on pleasure saddles in my opinion, but most pleasure saddle still have horns, maybe this strap is similar to that debate.

And I still ride in tennis shoes, but I know I shouldn't.

I wear a helmet though.

I read that the bucking strap is better than the horn because the horn lifts you out of the saddle on a spook or buck and the strap pushes you down. I don't know either way, I'm kind of with the first post, minus the leg, I think it's your seat and balance that's going make or break you. But this piece of leather might come in handy to tie things on.

[superchute]

ok from a guy that has used a cheat strap make it big enuf to hold your butt in the saddle if you need it to that is why you put it on. I use one on colts for about the first 30 rides then I take it off the colt should be handing good enuf by then. The breakaway ID is not bad untell it break when your trying to keep your rear in the seat. IF you use it like a barback riggen to hold your self in it works vary well. Better to hang on then get the colt thinking he can get you off. I do beleave that it not for every one and for shere not on the saddle all the time and is not a place to hang thing on the saddle.

Russell

Edited May 26, 2008 by superchute

[moriver]

to much analyzing here...

You use a bucking strap on colts when you first start them, it will save your back and some bones when you need it. The last thing you want is a breakaway, excellent way to really get hurt. 30 years experience in breaking colts and training horses I've learned that people who wear helmets shouldn't have bucking straps because they will get in trouble with it.