Rigging Placement

[rktaylor]

Does this placement look OK. I feel like I need more clearance on the skirt or have the rigging lower. It doesn't have that smooth transition that everyone talks about. Thanks,

Randy

[CWR]

Randy,

It looks a little high to me. What distance is the bottom of the plate to the top of the bar? I usually like mine 6 1/2" below the bar pad. Just a rule of thumb. Others do it differetly. If you get it to high you get a lump from the latigos on top of the skirt.

CW

[oltoot]

Its low enough to get by but too high to be a model for things to come (#2 for instance). I sure wouldn't think about doing anything over, you're probably full of that. Next time, revise your rigging pattern to set front rigging ~ 2" lower and skirt ~ 1" ending up with an inch greater separation between edges. For most applications the 'latigo lump' created by the cinched up saddle should be right below the edge of the 'average' pad. FYI even though I was reluctant at first, I have started using nylon latigos and off straps (usually tie straps on off side, too) They are stronger, trimmer and don't stretch so one part of 'breakin' on new saddles is eliminated. I first started using them myself before making them part of my base, leather being available on request, meanwhile, look at back rigging as you might want to change that, too given the issues you had with your skirts. Its certainly not as critical that it be in an exact spot, just that it be in balance with everything else and fully functional. Hold her head up Newt, the end is in sight!

[rktaylor]

It is about 6 inches from the bar to the bottom of the rigging. I knew it was wrong because the latigo lump is right on my knee. Maybe I need longer legs.

Oltoot - This won't be an issue on #2 because it will be an in-skirt rigging. However, I will pay attention to this in the future. I believe what happened was that I got the front of the rigging too high, because my rear dees are angled slightly up toward the front. Just another lesson to store for the future.

Thanks for the comments.

Randy

Edited March 12, 2014 by rktaylor

[jwwright]

For what it's worth............over time, I've found that on plate rigs, 7" drop from the bar down to the point of where the latigo will attach to the rigging hardware, works very well....unless the saddle is intended for a shorter legged rider.............then I will go 6 1/2" drop or maybe a shade less. JW

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Like Jim, I usually go between 6" to 7" depending on the rider.

Bob