Tapadera/Tapadero

Tapaderas not only cover the toes, in rough country they protect against brush pushing a foot back or out of the stirrup. They also keep the feet from sliding too far in and possibly getting hung up in the stirrup. On a child's saddle like this one, in addition to those safety factors, they can also help the young rider learn to ride on the ball of the foot. (Saddle courtesy of J&B Western II, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, (218) 326-2177, e-mail rcurtiss@hotmail.com.) Photo by Bob Lemen. All rights reserved.