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GENERAL
STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
HARDWARE
ASMA recommends that the selected hardware be stainless steel or solid brass that will meet the demands that will be placed on the item.
LATIGOS
ASMA recommends that leather latigos/tie straps and half-breed latigos should be made from 9/10 oz or heavier premium latigo leather for safety.  Also, it is recommended that no latigos/tie and half-breed straps should be used that are less than 1 1/2" in width, with the exception of a pony saddle that is used on a small pony.  If the pony saddle is to be used on a regular size horse, a standard latigo/tie strap should be used.

ASMA recommends that only heavy duty nylon (1 3/4" wide and 6000+ lbs per 1" width tensile strength) should be used for a latigo/tie strap.
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT NO POLYPROPYLENE BE USED EVEN IF DOUBLED AND STITCHED.
OFF BILLETS
While single ply off billets are common in the industry, as a matter of policy and safety,
ASMA recommends that single ply leather off billets not be used.   It has been noted that the single ply leather off billets have a tendency to have a high failure rate.  If single ply leather off billets are to be used it is recommended that they be made of heavy ( 13/14 oz+ ) skirting leather.

ASMA recommends that only heavy duty nylon (1 3/4" wide and 6000+ lbs per 1" width tensile strength) that is doubled and stitched should be used for a off billets.
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT NO POLYPROPYLENE BE USED EVEN IF DOUBLED AND STITCHED.
REINS
While some may want thinner leather for a lighter feel: ASMA recommends that the finished thickness of the rein bodies should not be less than 10 OZ.
REAR FLANKS AND REAR FLANK BILLETS
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS – While single ply rear flanks and rear flank billets are common in the industry, the intended use of the saddle must be considered.  It is ASMA’s opinion that the only appropriate use of a single ply rear flank and rear flank billets are for pony saddles, pleasure saddles, trail saddles and special use saddles such as endurance saddle and the like.  Also, it is suggested that the width be no less than 1 ½" except for a pony saddle.


















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