For some the most agonizing decision when designing their saddle is whether or not to get a horn. Get 4 or 5 riders together in one room and you’ll discover this is a hotly debated topic throughout the horse world.
As with most things there is no definitive answer. For some disciplines it’s a no brainer. A horn is actually required for most western riding. But when you start talking trail riding what should you do? It really depends on what kind of riding you do and your own personal preferences.
An endurance rider will rarely ride with a horn. There are too many situations where they just get in the way. When riding up steep hills as the rider shifts their weight forward to allow the hind end maximum freedom of movement, a horn is going to hit you in the stomach or chest. Also, when riding in heavy forested areas, a rider is frequently ducking under low lying branches.
Sometimes unexpected things can happen because of a horn. We’ve heard multiple stories about clothing getting caught on the horn when dismounting and a horse moving off with the rider dangling off the side. We’ve also heard stories of riders getting bucked up into the air and landing on the horn resulting in broken bones in the pelvic girdle.
Some trail riders won’t ride without one. As I said before, the horn may be a requirement for a certain discipline. Others see it as a security device. Something they can grab on to if their horse spooks. Or if they stop quickly it might be the one thing that keeps them from going over the front of the horse. Some trail riders prefer a horn only because it’s handy for hanging stuff on or for ponying another horse.
Ultimately you have to decide what is most important to you and if you really want or need a horn or not.
Comments 2
this is great thankyou
I been using a hornless western saddle for the past 25 years and I would not go back to a regular western saddle ever again I like to ride in heavy wooded places and I feel a regular western saddle the horn gets n my way.