Best of Show

Darwin Dower – “Mother Hubbard” – Carving Category

“Mother Hubbard – A Texas Icon”

“One-of-a-Kind Western Art for the Discriminating Collector”

The Western saddle has had a long and interesting history. Playing a huge part of this history is the “Mother Hubbard” saddle of the 1860’s.

The Texas cowboy was the first to introduce this saddle, and by 1866, they earned their wages and saw the world from its seat, as it had become the preferred saddle for the long cattle drives. The fork and tree were covered with leather and the large Mochilla was fastened permanently. Stirrup fenders were first introduced with this saddle, to protect the riders’ legs from the sweat and friction of the horses body. It had squared corners with no skirts underneath the stirrup leathers. The stirrups were made of steamed bent and hand carved wood.

The saddle was heavy and rugged, and could be securely placed on the horse.

Although it’s popularity was somewhat short-lived (only 10-15 years), it was probably the forerunner of many of the saddles in use today.

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*Best of Show is awarded to the entry with the highest avg. score from the WARA Judges throughout all categories.*