The Gospel According to the Western Saddle
What I Want to Accomplish 1. Give you interesting and practical information about western saddles 2. Teach you the function of each part of a western saddle 3. Show you scriptural parallels to each of these saddle part functions 4. Encourage you to take what you know about western saddles to point other folks to the gospel of Christ.
A Word on Bible Versions Lots of different versions of the Bible out there (KJV, NIV, NASB, ESV, ) Which is best? Each has its strengths. Use several. The best one for you? The one you ll read! One o my fav rites Git Raht Tuit Version (GRTV) Get Right To It (if n ya don t speak Southern)
Git-Raht-Tuit Version (GRTV) - Saddle Two basic parts of a saddle 1. The Top 2. The Bottom The bottom of the saddle for the top of the horse The top of the saddle for the bottom of the rider.
Git Raht Tuit Version (GRTV) In the Bible Two basic commandments of the Bible 1. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, & strength. 2. Love your Neighbor as yourself. Jesus himself said, All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:40, NIV)
Now, the Ph.D. Version Saddle parts What they are called How they are measured What they are there for Saddle construction How the parts are put together How each part of a saddle represents a gospel truth we can share.
The Saddle Tree (Foundation) Cantle Bars Ground Seat Hand Hole Stirrup Groove Fork (Swell) Horn Bars Bar Length
Seat Length
Cantle Height & Dish Height Dish 1-1/4
Cantle Width
Gullet Width Semi-Quarter Horse 6 ¼ Quarter Horse 6 ½ Full Quarter Horse 6 ¾ Bar Angle
Gullet Height
Swell Width
Horn Height & Cap Diameter
Bow, Twist & Flair
Ground Seat 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Ground Seat Another Way
Rigging Flat Plate Style 7/8 Position
Blocked Skirts
Assembled Saddle - Rear Cantle Back Seat Cover Rear Jockey Skirt Cantle Binding Strings & Conchos Seat Jockey
Assembled Saddle - Front Horn Cover & Wrap Maker s Mark Latigo Keeper Latigo (Tie Strap) Seat/Front Jockey Cinch Keeper
Skirt Lining Genuine Bark- Tanned Sheepskin Skirt Lining
Stirrup Assembly Saddle made by Pete Gorrell, Al Gould, Don Butler Saddleweek 2005, Sheridan, WY Fender Quick-Change Buckle Pre-turned, permanent set leathers (Nevada Twist) Hobble Strap Shimmed Stirrups
Gospel Truths Each saddle part has a function Each function points us to a scriptural truth
The Saddle Tree (Foundation) MT 16:15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" MT 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." MT 16:17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock [foundation] I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
The Saddle Tree (Foundation) ISA 28:16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; ISA 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
The Saddle Tree (Foundation) As the foundation for a saddle is the tree, the foundation of the church is Belief and confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. (MT 16:16-18) Trusting Him for our salvation, wisdom, and knowledge (ISA 28:16-33:6)
The Fork/Swell (Character) Tree style name is inherited from name of the fork style or shape. The fork style/shape determines/reveals the character of the saddle (what it s used for). In the Bible, the forehead symbolizes a person s character. How does the Bible recommend that we shape our character?
The Fork (Swell) DT6:6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up [that is, in everything you do]. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands [symbol of your work] and bind them on your foreheads [symbol of your character]. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates [sign on front door of business and farm/ranch gate symbolize what s inside]. This symbolism gives new perspective to Rev 13:16-18!
The Horn (Strength & Protection) Symbol of strength: MIC 4:13 "Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron; I will give you hoofs of bronze; and you will break to pieces many nations. Symbol of divine protection: 2SA 22:3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior-- from violent men you save me.
The Ground Seat The Holy Spirit Comforter (John 14:16-17) Means of communication with God (John 16:13, Romans 8:26) Shaped to fit the rider (1 CO 12:7-11) Many more parallels Mercy seat (atonement cover) Atone = at one Reconciliation
The Ground Seat EX 25:17 "Make an atonement cover of pure gold--two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18 And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.
The Skirts Become an extension of bars to help distribute weight over larger surface. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
The Skirt Lining (Sheepskin) Holds saddle blanket in place Dissipates sweat/heat Keeps horse comfortable; eases burden. MT 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Saddle Strings & Conchos Binds parts of saddle together. COL 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Rigging, Cinches, Latigos Connection between horse and saddle/rider EPH1:9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. Latigo Spanish for whip. Common color is red. Symbol of Christ taking punishment and shedding his blood for us.
Latigo & Cinch Keepers Seem unimportant. Act as servants to hold latigo and cinch. Yet, the maker s mark (symbol of maker s approval/pride/authenticity) is usually found here. MT23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Maker s Mark (Seal of Approval/Authenticity) JN 6: 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." EPH1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
Stirrups, Leathers, Fenders Stirrups provide firm footing and stability. Fenders Shield rider s leg from horse sweat Another prominent location of maker s mark 2CO 1: 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
All Working Together Horse, Saddle, Tack, & Rider work together RO 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Closing Do you love him? Are you called according to his purpose? If you haven t trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, Saddle up with Him today! If you already know Jesus, Use what you ve learned to help others saddle up with Him.