saddles, bridels and other stuff

over the coarse of 50 some odd years of horse backen, rodeoen and punchin cows ive gone through a lot of stuff.  this tale was inspired by my life long friend who asked how many saddles ive wore out in my life time. it got me to thinken. about 12, but then I didn't wear that many out, I changed styles, I traded some off, and yes I wore some plum out. ive had colts flip over on them and break the trees,  had the stirrups snagged on unmovable things and ripped the stirrup leathers out. but no I didn't wear out 12 saddles. a little oil every year and they tend to last a long time. the leather will wear thin, tear, wrinkle, but ive known lots of 50 year old saddles still workin. same way with spurs and bridle bits.  ive had only 2 pairs of spurs in my life.  the pair I have now and the pair they replaced. those my mom bought for me . I wore them until the button hinges  wore thin, the rowels had been replaced more times than I could count and the leathers rotted off in the feedlot mud and crude. those spurs hang on the wall in my living room. a reminder of my mom.  bridle bits I collect. I trade them, I search for them at rodeos, horse shows and junk bins. its a passion I cant seem to shake. I don't have very many but the ones I have ime proud of and wouldn't trade . I have one I gave my boss, mentor and idol many years ago. he then gave it back when he couldn't ride anymore.  I have my favorite that my daughter bought for me in mexico. a few others that might not be of great value but are special to me. a cowpunchers gear is special to him. maybe not to any one else, but to him they  are tools of the trade, and become a part of his life.   I don't own a horse anymore but I have my saddles, bridles and spurs. feller never knows when a salty ole bunch quitter needs gatherin!!