Why Simco Saddles Still Matter in Modern Western Riding
Few names in Western tack carry as much heritage as Simco Saddles. Founded in the 1930s by Robert H. Crates and T. Fletcher Sims, the Chattanooga-based company built its reputation on reliable working tack long before mass-produced imports flooded the market. Today—nearly a century later—Simco remains a go-to option for riders who want the feel of a traditional Western saddle without an eye-watering price tag. The brand’s longevity alone is an endorsement, but understanding how Simco got here and why its construction choices matter will help you decide whether a Simco belongs in your tack room.
A Brief Timeline of the Brand
• 1930s – Simco Leather Co. opens in Chattanooga, Tennessee, quickly becoming a premier distributor of Western gear.
• 1981 – The Action Company acquires Simco, injecting capital for product expansion.
• 1988 – Manufacturing shifts to Greenville, Texas, aligning the factory with a larger workforce skilled in Western saddlery (reference.com).
• 1990 – Merger with Longhorn Leather creates the Simco-Longhorn label, a name still stamped under many horn caps.
• Present – Simco balances tradition with modern materials such as Flex Trees and AcuSuede™ seats while keeping hand-finished leatherwork at the core of every build.
This evolution illustrates Simco’s willingness to adapt without discarding the time-tested methods that earned its following.
Inside a Simco: Materials and Craftsmanship
From the first time you sling a Simco onto a horse, certain construction cues stand out:
- Hand-selected, full-grain leather panels that take oil evenly and resist stretching.
- Reinforced stainless hardware—beneficial if you rope, pony colts, or simply need rigging that won’t bend under tension.
- Seat options that range from dense foam to AcuSuede™, offering extra stick for fast work but cushioning for all-day trail miles.
- Edge skiving and tight stitching that minimize bulk under the rider’s thigh, a small detail that pays dividends on long rides.
The result is a saddle that feels broken-in sooner than many competitors while maintaining a structured fit for years. I’ve personally kept a 1997 Simco-Longhorn roper in rotation for ranch work; the fleece lining finally needed replacement after nearly two decades, yet the tree and leather remain sound.
Popular Simco Models and Their Ideal Jobs
Simco’s catalog covers nearly every Western discipline. Below are three models frequently recommended by trainers and tack shop owners:
Dakota Flex Trail Saddle
A favorite among weekend riders, the Dakota uses a Flex Tree that moves with the horse’s shoulders. On an 18-mile Colorado backcountry loop last fall, a riding partner logged zero dry spots under this saddle, proving its ability to distribute weight even on steep grades.
Mena Flex Trail Saddle
Built on a Quarter Horse Flex tree by Ralide, the Mena balances light weight with a moderately deep seat. Trail guides in Palo Duro Canyon like it because the plastic tree resists warping in the region’s dramatic temperature swings. It is sold through dealers such as Stable Farm and Tack (see product page).
Classic Simco Roper
The old-school roping line, often seen at jackpot arenas, combines a wooden tree wrapped in rawhide with a stout horn cap able to handle heavy pulls. For a closer look, watch the original workmanship in the video below:
Ralide vs. Wooden Trees: The Ongoing Debate
Simco employs both traditional wooden trees and Ralide (molded polymer) trees, and opinions are split. On the Leatherworker.net forum thread, craftsmen praise Ralide for uniformity and resistance to weather but note that repairing a cracked polymer tree is virtually impossible. Wooden trees, by contrast, can be re-rawhided or re-laminated. The takeaway? Trail riders prioritizing light weight and low maintenance tend to appreciate Ralide; ropers and ranch hands often stick with wood for maximum rigidity under load.
What Riders Are Saying
Community feedback paints a balanced picture:
- Affordability – Used Simcos regularly sell for half the cost of boutique brands, putting a reliable saddle within reach of 4-H families and recreational riders.
- Everyday Comfort – Trail riders on forums like HorseTrailerWorld report fewer sore backs in horses switching from economy imports to mid-range Simcos.
- Longevity – Many 1970s Simco rigs are still in circulation, a testament cited by tack repair shops who see them come in only for fleece or stirrup hobble replacements.
Selecting the Right Simco for Your Horse
Even the best saddle fails if the fit is wrong. Use the checkpoints below when you shop:
- Discipline: Barrel prospects need a high cantle and forward-hung fenders, while a long-flat skirt benefits ranch cutters.
- Tree Width: Simco offers Semi, Full QH, and Extra-Wide bars; match them to your horse’s wither profile.
- Seat Feel: Try both smooth leather and AcuSuede™—the latter can be a revelation for rookie riders who value grip.
- Budget vs. Use: A weekend rider may do fine with a Ralide tree, but daily roping warrants the extra cost of wood.
- Trial Policy: Reputable dealers often allow a 3- to 5-day test on clean blankets—use it.
Care and Maintenance Tips
A Simco can easily serve multiple generations if cared for properly. After each ride, knock dust from the fleece and wipe the leather with a damp cloth. Once a month, scrub sweat marks with a glycerin-based leather cleaner, then replenish oils with pure neatsfoot oil. Store the saddle on a ventilated saddle stand to prevent the skirts from curling. I’ve followed this routine on my 1997 roper, and after tens of thousands of pasture miles the leather remains supple enough to fold a flank cinch by hand.
Final Thoughts
Simco Saddles occupy a sweet spot: they deliver honest workmanship, a storied American pedigree, and enough modern touches to stay relevant. Whether you are searching for a lightweight trail saddle or a stout arena roper, Simco provides proven options grounded in nearly 100 years of Western riding culture. Pair that heritage with thoughtful fit-checking and routine maintenance, and your Simco can be the saddle that future generations of your barn will still be reaching for on early-morning rides.