What is a Night Latch?

Your horse is taking off across the arena, and you are making a wild grab for your saddle horn. While grabbing the saddle horn can be effective sometimes, there is a tool designed specifically as an “Oh Sh$*t” handle on your saddle. It’s called a night latch. 

A night latch is attached to the front of your saddle and is a convenient handle in an emergency. While many people believe night latches are just for riding young horses or broncs, this leather handle wrapped around the gullet of your saddle is handy for most riders.

Night Latch Uses

You’ve probably seen a night latch at a rodeo or ranch. Night latches are typically a rolled leather strap or a short piece of rope run through and secured around the saddle's gullet. They are commonly used by cowboys and cowgirls when starting colts or riding bucking horses to help the rider sit deeper and more securely in the saddle. 

However, other riders have experienced the benefit of the night latch on trail rides, even when riding a seasoned trail horse. As you are crossing rivers or going up and down uneven ground, it is easy to become unseated or lose your balance. The night latch gives some additional security. 

Night Latch History

Night latches have been used for many years but originally stemmed from cowboys on late-night cattle drives. Cowboys would call these drives “night rides” or “night hawking.” After riding for hours on end, many cowboys would get tired, and some would fall off their horses! 

They quickly discovered if they put their hand in a strap, it would catch their hand if they started to sway out of the saddle. Hence, the name “night latch” was adopted because the strap quite literally latched the cowboy in the saddle when he was too tired to sit upright.

Why Not Use the Saddle Horn?

Many riders will grab for the horn when they start to lose their seat, but a night latch is actually more secure when fitted to your saddle correctly. It’s also easier to get your hand in and out of while staying balanced. So the short answer is, if you prefer the saddle horn, use it, but if you are looking for something a bit more secure, try a night latch.

Can you use a night latch in competitions?

Rules vary on the use of night latches in competition. Always consult the regulations for the particular show you are entering to ensure a night latch is allowed. Many competitive ranch bronc riding events will allow a night latch to be used.

What night latch is right for you?

Night latches are made from leather, rolled leather, or rope. All of these options will help keep you securely in the saddle, so the decision ultimately lies with aesthetic and hand comfort. Some riders prefer the rolled leather because it conforms easily to their hands, while others prefer a softer rope. Try a few different options to determine which is most comfortable for you.

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