Description
This was one of the ranch horses we had on our ranch outside Globe, Arizona. He was named Rattler and was a good, young horse, raised in rough, rugged, mountainous country, and was very sure-footed. After a morning of hard work, you see that he was happy to take a break and rest a little. Note the saddle and rig, which are typical of the type used in rough country with wild cattle. Tapaderos are necessary, as opposed to standard stirrups, to protect the cowboy’s feet from the thick brush. There’s a scabbard located behind the cantle containing a running iron, which is a portable branding iron used to freehand a brand out on the range; and a saw, used to tip horns, clear brush, or trim a tree. Also tied behind the cantle is a necking rope. With these tools, a cowboy is prepared to handle most any situation encountered when working cattle a long way from corrals.
