Apart from the usually present neck-scarf, the cowboy here is attired in the standard manner. The utility of the almost universally worn vest is often overlooked. In addition to its easy-to-get-at pockets for tobacco, papers and other oddments, it provided protection and warmth where it was most needed over the lower back, yet it was not too hot, and most important, left the arms unencumbered.
Of greatest concern to the horseman was his saddle and lariat. These tools of the trade, particularly his saddle, were the cowboy's most important investment and, with his horse, often amounted to his only possessions. Western saddlery demanded craftmenship of the highest order. While built for comfort and weather extremes, the saddle was, above all, designed for a particular function and had to withstand the stress and strain of the cowboy's work - the strain, for example, that came from the abrupt jolt that occurred when the cowboy brought his horse to a halt and the rope between the fleeing steer's neck and the saddle horn instantly reached its maximum extent. In addition to the overall functional design of the western saddle, the stiff, braided character of the lariat should be noted. It was essential that the rope maintain an open loop as it was thrown forward by the rider (see picture 30).
