Snake Skin on a Saddle?

[santee]

This weekend we performed at the Pioneer Living History Museum and there was a fella on horseback sittin' on a 1909 saddle. On the back of the seat, there was snake skin sewn into the leather.

Was this common in civilian saddles around the turn of the century?

Incidentally, if you wanna drool, he had a first gen Colt and a 10 gauge Winchester Lever shotgun, too.

[Gun Butcher]

   Santee, A few years ago I went thru every book or article I could find on saddles all the way back to the assumed first one and I don't remember seeing one with snake skin as part of the construction.
   I would have to believe that what you saw was a one of a kind and I wish we could hear the story behind it . 
   Might be a real humdinger.

[santee]

I may have to wait until next year. I don't think the guy has even heard of a computer. Geez, talk about living history!

[HorsePen Henry]

Santee, I have never seen a snake skin on a saddle either but that don't mean nothin'. If ya ever get a picture I'd like to see it too.
Just an aside, I have an old friend that uses ray skin on the padded seats. They are beautiful saddles fer sure. If you are ever in the Bartlesville, Oklahoma area check out Yokum's saddle shop out on Nowata Road. It's about 4-5 miles east of town.
Real nice folks and a nice shop to visit,
Horse Pen

[Pitspitr]

Maybe it's a regional thing, 'cause I've seen them around here and more than once.

[JD Alan]

Just saw one at a shop in town, western stock type saddle with a stingray seat pad. It's not very old though.

[HorsePen Henry]

Just saw one at a shop in town, western stock type saddle with a stingray seat pad. It's not very old though.

Howdy JD,
Ya reckon one of Rick's saddles made it all the way to Oregon? Maybe so.
They are fine looking pieces of art saddles, fer sure.
Stay vigilant,
Horse Pen