The old-time spider rig is a 4"'-diameter bronze ring that hangs halfway between centerfire and full, and is screwed to the topside of the tree bars, both front and rear, like the flat-plate rig (just as sturdy but with less leather under your leg and less weight).

Butterfly skirts (cut up under the leg) create a closer contact and less weight - as shown, the saddle weighs 30 lbs.

Although the seat measures 16", it rides like a 15-1/2" seat. The ground seat was designed to invite you to sit just aft of center, where your horse wants you.

The seat has a gentle dome or crown that doesn't leave you sitting on a flat, hard plate, and gives you a very comfortable close contact with your horse. The tooling is basketweave and Julia's signature decorative cuts.

The breastcollar dees are from Jeremiah Watt.

The cantle is 5" high, with space in the center of the tooling for a little silver.

The rear jockeys are laced with roo.

The skirts are not laced in the back - for more flexibility and comfort for your horse.

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