What is an Association saddle?
You may have heard the term “Association Saddle” and gotten confused about what it is. We did some research to clear up any confusion. You'll find out what an Association saddle is, the history of rodeo saddles, why they needed to be standardized, and how the evolution of the PRCA.
What Is An Association Saddle
The term "Association saddle" is rooted deeply in the history of rodeo and bronc riding, dating back to the early 20th century. Its story starts in the 1930s, when a group of cowboys, fed up with unfair practices by a stock contractor, united to form the Rodeo Cowboys Turtle Association.
This name was chosen to reflect their slow response in confronting the issue. The group's persistence paid off, and the contractor eventually included their entry fees in the prize pool.
This alliance of cowboys later transformed into the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) in the 1940s and ultimately became the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1975.
Standardizing Rodeo Saddles
In the early days of bronc riding, riders used an array of saddles, some with horns and others without. This lack of uniformity led to inconsistencies in competitions.
To address this, rodeo committees and manufacturers like Hamleys collaborated to create a saddle with specific standards around 1918-1919. The aim was to ensure fairness in rodeo competitions through uniform equipment.
Characteristics of the Association Saddle
The Association saddle is a specialized type with a 14-inch wide swell and less than 1" of undercut. One of its key elements is the high gullet, about 9 inches tall, which allows bronc riders to firmly secure their thighs for better control and stability.
In terms of dimensions, the gullet width of an Association saddle is generally around 5-3/4 inches. The cantle, another crucial part of the saddle, is designed to be no more than 5 inches high and 14 inches wide. This design ensures rider comfort and security. The rigging position is another distinctive aspect, set at 3/4 to position the front edge of the rigging ring below the center of the saddle's swells.
A notable historical feature of the Association saddle, established in the late 1950s, is the absence of a horn. This is a significant departure from many traditional saddle designs and is tailored to the specific needs of bronc riders. The absence of the horn helps in reducing the risk of injury during the rigorous movements typical in bronc riding.
Evolution to Modified Association Saddles
As the bronc saddle gained popularity for its front design, the "modified" association saddle emerged, particularly for roping. These saddles retained the basic shape of the bronc saddle front but featured a significantly lower gullet.
Association Saddles in Western Riding
In wider Western riding circles, "association" refers to standards set by organizations like the NRHA and the NCHA, which govern specific saddle requirements for their competitions. These rules focus on the functionality and suitability of saddles for each discipline.
The Legacy of the Association Saddle
The creation and evolution of the Association saddle mark an important era in rodeo history, symbolizing a move towards more standardized and fair competition.
Today, these saddles are not just functional pieces of equipment but also represent the rich heritage and ongoing traditions of rodeo and Western riding.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.