"I've worked on this tree to fit and protect your horse for years. We pay extra to use special epoxy glue in binding the wood together - inlay fiber glass strips behind the swell to keep the front solid. Double covered over horn. Heavy rawhide & hand sewn. I have designed this saddle with generous bars in front of the swell to support the front end with flare to cushion trauma to the shoulder. Our cantle is shortened at middle button to give extra thigh room in the shorter seats desirable today - also allowing the roper to get his leg back to stand. Some of the extras that are standard on our CC Ropers are: Incorporated leg cut in front for thigh room, flat U.S. made stainless steel rigging D's, full stamped leathers and rawhide over swell to minimize rope wear. We fit problem horses. "