Why EDIX consciously chooses different types of leather for treeless and flexible Western saddles
At EDIX, we do not believe that one type of leather is simply “better” than another. The best leather is the leather that provides the right combination of flexibility, weight, durability, rider support and appearance for the construction and intended use of each saddle. This is especially important when developing treeless and flexible saddles. The leather is not only there for appearance or durability; it is an important part of how the saddle feels, moves and functions.
That is why EDIX consciously works with different types of leather for different Western saddle models.
First, a little about leather
Leather is a natural material, and every hide has its own characteristics. But the animal species alone does not determine how a piece of leather will behave. The part of the hide, thickness, tanning process and finishing all influence its suppleness, strength, weight, appearance and ability to mould and change with use. Full-grain leather retains the natural grain layer of the hide and is known for its strength and durability. Split leather comes from a lower layer of the hide and can be made considerably softer, lighter and more flexible.
For a conventional Western saddle, very thick and firm leather can be desirable because the traditional saddle tree already determines much of the saddle's structure. For a treeless or flexible Western saddle, however, the requirements can be different. The leather itself becomes part of the balance between structure and flexibility. This is why heavier and thicker does not automatically mean better.
Three different leather choices at EDIX
For our Western saddle collection, EDIX uses split leather, Buffalo leather and Argentinian cowhide. Argentinian cowhide has a long-standing reputation for quality within the leather and saddlery industry. Argentina has a strong cattle and leather tradition, and high-quality Argentinian hides are particularly suitable for products requiring thicker, firmer leather and detailed tooling, but that does not mean that this is automatically the best choice for every EDIX saddle.When developing a treeless or flexible Western saddle, we look particularly at:
- Flexibility and suppleness;
- Weight;
- Durability;
- The amount of structure and support required;
- Comfort for horse and rider;
- The ability to mold around the horse;
- The possibility of tooling and decoration;
Each type of leather creates a different combination of these characteristics.
Split leather
Maximum softness and flexibility
Split leather is the softest and lightest of the three options we use. Its low weight is an important advantage for both horse and rider. The horse has less weight to carry, while the rider has a saddle that is considerably easier to lift and place on the horse. The suppleness of the leather also allows the saddle to remain extremely flexible. Instead of creating unnecessary rigidity, the material can follow the shape and movement of the horse.
Advantages of split leather:
- Very supple and lightweight.
- Provides maximum flexibility and freedom of movement.
- Moulds beautifully around the horse, almost like a leather glove.
- Very comfortable for the rider.
- Easy to lift and saddle up with.
- Particularly suitable when low weight and flexibility are priorities.
- More accessible in price.
The softness that gives split leather these advantages also has a limitation: it is generally too soft for the deep, crisp tooling associated with traditional Western saddles. Split leather may also have a somewhat shorter lifespan than the heavier full-grain leathers. This does not make it an inferior material; it simply offers a different combination of properties.
For riders looking for maximum flexibility, low weight and a wonderfully soft seat, those properties can be exactly what they are looking for. Some riders even describe these saddles as “armchairs” because of their soft and comfortable feel.
Buffalo leather
Flexibility meets durability
Buffalo leather gives us a very interesting middle ground. It is a full-grain leather with a naturally coarser grain than the cowhide we use. It is extremely strong and hard-wearing, while still allowing us to keep the saddle relatively lightweight and flexible.
This makes Buffalo leather particularly suitable for EDIX Western saddles where we want to combine freedom of movement with more structure and a traditional Western appearance.
Advantages of Buffalo leather:
- Full-grain leather.
- Extremely strong and hard-wearing.
- More structured than split leather while remaining flexible.
- Lighter than the thicker cowhide used for our traditional-style Western saddles.
- Allows good freedom of movement for the horse.
- Easier to lift onto the horse than a heavier traditional Western saddle.
- Suitable for tooling and Western decoration.
- Creates a beautiful, authentic Western appearance.
Approximate saddle weight including fenders and stirrups: 7.5 kg. Buffalo leather is therefore an excellent choice for riders who want a combination of flexibility, durability, manageable weight and Western styling
Argentinian cowhide
Structure, tradition and details
The Argentinian cowhide selected for our saddles is a full-grain leather with a finer grain structure. It is considerably thicker than the Buffalo leather we use. This thickness gives the leather more body and structure and makes it particularly suitable for beautiful, clearly defined Western tooling.
Although it feels firmer when new, the leather becomes more supple with use. Leather is a natural material that develops over time through movement, warmth, use and correct care.
Advantages of Argentinian cowhide:
- High-quality full-grain leather.
- Fine grain structure.
- Thick, strong and extremely durable.
- Excellent for detailed and clearly defined tooling.
- Provides more structure and a substantial saddle feel.
- Becomes more supple as the saddle is used.
- Gives the saddle a traditional and luxurious Western appearance.
Approximate saddle weight including fenders and stirrups: 10.5 kg. Because of the additional structure, riders coming from a traditional treed Western saddle may find this type of saddle more familiar in feel.
It can therefore be an excellent choice for someone who wants the advantages of an EDIX treeless or flexible construction while still appreciating the more substantial feeling of a traditional Western saddle.
What about tooling?
Tooling is an important part of the traditional Western appearance, but not every leather reacts to tooling in the same way. The quality of tooling is influenced not only by the type of animal the leather comes from, but also by the thickness, structure, tanning and finish of the specific leather. Soft split leather prioritises flexibility and low weight and is therefore less suitable for crisp, detailed tooling.
The Buffalo leather and thicker cowhide selected by EDIX provide more possibilities for creating decorative Western patterns, with the thicker Argentinian cowhide being particularly suitable when very clear and detailed tooling is desired. This means that leather choice also influences the final visual character of the saddle.
Does heavier leather mean better quality?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction, especially when talking about treeless and flexible saddles. In traditional saddlery, a heavy saddle made from very thick leather can easily create an impression of quality and durability. But when developing a flexible saddle, weight and stiffness are also design factors. Adding thickness and weight where it is not needed can reduce some of the flexibility that we deliberately want to achieve.
At EDIX, our goal is therefore not to make every saddle as heavy or as thick as possible. Our goal is to select the leather that best supports the intended function of that particular saddle. For one model, that may mean an extremely supple and lightweight split leather. For another, Buffalo leather gives us the ideal balance. And for a saddle where structure, traditional feel and detailed tooling are priorities, thick Argentinian cowhide can be the preferred choice. Different leather does not mean different levels of quality. It means different properties for different purposes.
Durability
With correct use and proper maintenance, Buffalo leather and Argentinian cowhide are extremely durable and hard-wearing. Split leather may have a somewhat shorter lifespan, but in return it offers maximum suppleness, flexibility and considerably lower weight. Saddles made from this material are also more attractively priced, which can of course be an important consideration.
Whichever leather is chosen, proper maintenance will have a major influence on how the saddle ages.
Which leather is right for you?
There is no single answer because every horse, rider and riding situation is different.
Do you love long trail rides and value maximum flexibility and low weight? Split leather or Buffalo leather may be the ideal choice. Both keep the saddle relatively lightweight while allowing plenty of flexibility and freedom of movement.
Is lifting a heavy Western saddle difficult for you? Pay particular attention to saddle weight. Split leather offers the greatest weight reduction, followed by Buffalo leather.
Do you prefer a more substantial saddle or are you transitioning from a traditional treed saddle? Argentinian cowhide may give you the more structured and familiar feeling you are looking for.
Do you love traditional Western tooling? Choose a model made from Buffalo leather or Argentinian cowhide, depending on the level of structure, weight and detailing you prefer.
Still not sure? This is exactly why EDIX offers different constructions and materials. Ask an EDIX Western saddle fitter to visit you and experience the differences yourself. Where available, some fitters even offer the possibility of a trial period.
The best choice is not simply the saddle that looks best on paper. It is the combination that works best for your horse, your body and the way you ride.
Leather care
Whatever leather you choose, correct care is essential. Remove dirt and sweat regularly, allow wet leather to dry naturally and use suitable leather-care products when necessary to keep the leather nourished and supple.
Avoid excessive heat and do not store leather in damp or poorly ventilated conditions. Also remember that over-conditioning is not better: leather should be maintained according to its condition and use. With the right care, good-quality leather does more than simply last. It develops character, becomes more supple and ages beautifully
