Inskirt vs. Flat Plate Rigging

[Bosalita]

Hi,
I am having a custom wade made by Nancy Martiny. I would like it to be lighter, so she suggested inskirt rigging as a means to lighten it up. She said that there can be a problem with the inskirt rotting with too much sweat soaking through the blankets, but only in a severe case of neglect. I don't rope bulls, but I would like to be able to drag calves to the fire and doctor a sick cow, if the need arises. I also enjoy starting colts, so that is part of the reason for a lighter saddle. Would the inskirt rigging be able to fit my needs, or should I go with flat plate rigging? I would like pros and cons for both riggings.

Thanks.

[marlana80]

The biggest con to inskirt rigging is that if it needs to be replaced/fixed... well, it's part of the saddle. You can't just take off the top jockey, then remove and replace the leather piece that holds the flat plate.

But it is thinner, lighter-weight, and gets you closer to the horse.

[Bosalita]

What about as far as strength? Can you rope out of a saddle with inskirt rigging fine?

[alanbell]

Nancy, learned saddlemaking from some of the best there is, including Dale Harwood! If she is building you an inspire rig and you told her of your concerns there is no doubt in my mind that it will do exactly what she says it will do!!
Vaya co Dios y Feliz Navidad
Alan Bell

[Scout]

No problems with roping out of my in-skirt rigging. I haven't sored a horse or been unable to pull (we're not talking bulls here!). I'm on the small side and a little long of tooth so weight is a consideration. Even with the in-skirt though, mine is a heavy saddle -- built for a lifetime. Am having a cable rigged saddle built now and that will be lighter. Enjoy the process of getting yours built.

12-25-10... one more thing on the in-skirt rigging. A long time ago I was told that the in-skirt would be too close to my horse and not provide enough relief behind the elbow. Have never found this to be an issue -- the rigging in my saddles has never been problematic. Merry Christmas, All!

[JimC]

I have a saddle with inskirt rigging made for me by Jeff Hanson about five years ago. I also wanted a lighter, closer contact saddle and I seldom have occassion to rope anything anymore. It has been exactly what I wanted. When I got the saddle it needed a minor adjustment in the stirup leathers. I took it to a local saddler with a fine reputation who makes similar saddles rather than return it to Jeff. I asked Jimmy if he thought I would ever need to be concerned about roping from this saddle. He looked it over and said,"If you ever tie into something that would wreck that saddle you are gonna want to get off".

Unless you are going to rope heavy stock regularly, I believe in skirt is the way to go.

JimC

[shiner]

I have a couple of friends that use in-skirt riggings only and they rope anything they want with them. Two them have made it to the Bull Roping at the Californios. One saddle was a Jeff Hanson and the other was a Kenny Tipton (Tips).