To the cowboy of the Old West, nothing was more challenging or miserable than the long cattle drives from Texas to the Kansas railheads in the late 1800's. The cowboy usually had several prized possessions, including his boots, hat, favorite bridle and his firearm. The single piece of equipment the cowboy was most particular about, however, was his saddle: and no wonder. For months at a time, he sat in it all day, and occasionally half of the night as well. Though a cowboy may not have owned his own horse (using horses supplied by the ranch), without a doubt, he owned his own saddle. Indeed, a good saddle was his most prized possession, often costing a month's wages or more.
There were many fine saddle makers of the day, but without doubt, the real cowboys rode this classic of the old west. An open or 1/2 seat trail saddle, with exposed Sam Stagg double riggings. | 
