I spent some time this evening trying different places on my saddle for the 1860 Henry. For now I have settled on southwest position, near side. This is the side I get on & off, and it seems to sit well there. I stepped on and rode around at a walk for a few minutes just to check how it feels and my leg comfort, and my horse comfort. Badger is the chubbiest guy we have right now (easy keeper, winter fat) so if I can get stuff to fit him properly, and get my legs around him and the gear ok, then all is good. The only issue with near side is I would have to reset my saddle a little more often during the day, but I do that a fair bit anyway, it's just good habit and your horse appreciates it. But, on the near side, it is not in the way of roping at all, especially if I am working alone and have to tie off and get down to treat a cow. I included a photo of the Big Boy from last fall as well so you can see the 2 for comparison. Both fit well, obviously the Big Boy is more compact, and by old west standards a "carbine" size rifle. One can see why the carbines became popular as they are much easier to pack around from a size perspective. However, I have to say, the lack of a fore end on the 1860 made it much easier for me to sit square and use my leg on my horse. Big difference. The Big Boy rifle as you know if you own one, has quite a hefty wood fore end on it. While it grips in the scabbard well, it was always a little on the uncomfortable side for me. My knees are not the greatest after 40+ years riding, so I'll take all the comfort I can get. The other upside is that I can get off in a hurry and get right to my rifle if necessary. Anyhow, I'll do more adjusting as time goes on, but for now, as an old Gene Autry song says "I'm a happy, rovin' cowboy."
ps: I had not been on Badger for awhile, and he did not try to buck me off....always a bonus!
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