Billy Cook Saddle and Strap
Billy Cook Saddles are made in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and the company is owned by Billy Cook. There are counterfeit saddles out there, but all the genuine ones are made in Sulphur, Oklahoma.
The Three Saddles
There are three basic incarnations of these saddles. The “old” saddles, the ones built to the original Cook designs by Simco-Longhorn, and then the Billy Cook Western Saddle that Cook started making again when he went back into the business. All are high quality options.
The Team Roper Saddle is built around a Dally Roper tree with rawhide bound Quarter Horse bars. It has a short post, and is rawhide laced, in golden leather with half-breed basket tooling. It comes in 15.5 or 15 inch seat size with a 13 inch wide hand tooled swell and a 4 inch leather cantle. The rigging is double stainless steel Dees, and the skirts are lined with artificial wool. The stirrups are 3 inch Roper Rawhide laced.
Saddles like the Team Roper retain their value well, and many riders count themselves very fortunate indeed when they find a genuine used billy cook saddles. They are legendary for their understated, classic look, with just the right amount of silver trim. The seats are somewhat shallow, but that works well in an arena setting, for team penning. It is easy to find matching tack due to the understated looks of these saddles. These saddles hold up well and resist bleaching, staining, and warping, with a versatile tree that works well with different breeds. Billy Cook Saddles don’t look at all “feminine” nor do they look overly masculine. They don’t overshadow the horse or the rider with too many flashy extras.
What to look for when buying Billy Cook Saddles.
Safety First
The leather should be of good quality and the stitching should be very strong especially for areas such as the billet straps where strength is required. Any metal or iron fittings or details should be free from rust. The saddle tree should not be too wide or too narrow and should fit the horse properly. There should be no nails poking through the pommel.
Comfort Comes Next
Comfort is important as the wrong saddle may result in back problems or bruising for you or your horse. A large saddle seat may suit you if you are taller even if a short person of the same built may fit in a smaller seat. Buy a lightweight Billy Cook Saddle for pleasure riding. Go for one that gives you a comfortable and secure leg position.