Crupper

With fall sneaking up on us, I better be ready to ride in case I get a call to help round up. This year, I think I'll ride Mollie. Which means I've get to get my saddle all set up for her. 

The adjustments I made to my saddle a few years back, have really help it fit my ole mare better. However, it still creeps forward and will stand up in the back, a bit. 

Insert, crupper. A crupper goes right under the trailhead of a horse and pulls against the tailbone, keeping gear in its proper place. Generally used with pulling harnesses and pack saddles, cruppers also work well on wither-less horses, like Mollie. I've rode with this on her before, but haven't had a good way to mount it. Until now. 

I really didn't know what I was looking for, until I went to the tack store. This bracket is perfect.

There's a lot of good leather right behind the cantle to mount to. This will make it look clean when not in use and strong when in use. Brass is also the color of the rest of the metal on my saddle. Gotta stay consistent. 

There comes a time when the leather is too thick for a leather punch. I find a drill to do a good job in a pinch. Just don't tell any real cowboys. 

These bad boys are called Chicago screws. Perfect for situations like this. 

Because the threads are internal, they make for a smooth finish on both ends. Just have to make sure and get the right size. 

Done.

Giddy up. 

We'll see. I have no worries that she'll accept it. Just wonder what kind of effect it will have on my riding experience. I doubt anything too noticeable. It will probably catch the eye of other equine enthusiasts, however. Who likely ask if my horse is part draft. Not sure. But she does keep me on top of my horsemanship. Ranch on.