Rough-Out Saddles and Horse Tack What is It?

A popular type of saddle is a rough-out leather saddle or a "slick fork cowboy style" saddle. These saddles are popular for many reasons, including functionality for working cowboys.

Buckaroo Leather has created Rough-Out Breast Collars to match these cowboy rough-out style saddles.

First, let’s talk leather…

Leather saddles are made from heavy hides known as saddle skirting. Skirting comes in different weights, or thickness, and grades, which is the quality. The thickest skirting is used for the heavy wear areas such as the fenders, stirrup leathers and seats.

Skirting has two distinct sides – the grain side, which is smooth, and the flesh side, which is rough. A saddle can be made with either side facing out as the finished side.

Most saddles are made with the grain side out. A saddle with the flesh, or rough, side facing out is called a rough-out saddle. A saddle can be completely rough-out or partially rough-out. Fenders, seat jockeys, and seats are the most common rough-out parts.

The appeal of rough-out is that it provides additional grip and stick for the rider. For those riding for a job where function takes priority over looks (working cowboys, horse trainers), rough-out style saddles are quite common.

Working cowboys can now purchase that same quality rough-out leather on horse tack, as part of their rough-out cowboy gear.

These breast collars are designed to match the popular rough-out saddles and Buckaroo Wade style saddles. 

Leather Roper Breast Collar BC60RO

This rough-out style breast collar is made from Hermann Oak Bridle Leather. This rough-out breast collar will match your Cowboy Style Rough Out Saddle. The saddle tugs have a 1" width. We recommend an over the neck strap for the best fit. We have BC13RO, our over the neck strap in the rough-out leather style.

Breast Collar Old Martingale Style “Choker” BC68RO

Hand crafted from the finest Hermann Oak Rough Out Oiled Golden Bridle Leather w/ chap lining, this old martingale style shaped breast collar (some in the sage call it a "CHOKER") features an over the shoulder fit for a better pulling position. Also featured is the adjustable neck strap and billet. The breast collar is hand edged, rubbed and finished with nickel hardware.

All Around Breast Collar BC50RO

Hermann Oak Quality Leather breast collar rough-out style leather. The breast collar is 1 3/4" with 1" saddle tugs and 3/4" down strap. The breast collar is doubled and stitched and has a soft chap lining with nickel hardware. For the best fit, add a rough-out style leather over the neck strap, BC13RO.

Over the Neck Breast Collar Strap BC13RO

Over the Neck Breast Collar strap designed to go up over the withers to hold your breast collar up in the correct position over the shoulder, as not to rub across your horse’s shoulder. Fully adjustable and snaps on to any breast collar. Available in rough-out leather.

Rough-out leather saddles, wade style saddles and slick fork saddles are all durable and the best choice for the working cowboy.

Our family has been dedicated for 40 years in serving the western horseman with the safest, most durable quality, American made leather horse tack.

Buckaroo Leather, John Brand, the Brand to demand!