I would imagine that most of our readers would be unfamiliar with the silver saddle market along with other cowboy and western silver collectibles.  Hopefully the following is helpful. 
 
Before analyzing current trends, it might be of interest to the reader to reflect on the genesis of Western Collectibles.  The West is truly an American Phenomenon.  The spirit of the Old West began over one hundred years ago when settlers followed their notion of manifest destiny.  They came West bringing with them the spirit of American-Western rugged individualism.  Many became "cowboys" whose finest hour occurred during the late 1800s.  During this period, huge ranches were established as these sturdy individuals drove cattle from the West to railheads in the Midwest.
           
However, as with all good things, this era came to an end.  It is hard to determine exactly when the spirit of the Old West, for which the cowboy and his horse stand, became implanted in the American psyche.  Perhaps Buffalo Bill, the first national cowboy showman, started the process.  Certainly Hollywood and Madison Avenue have creatively continued it and romanticized the Old West.  In so doing, we believe they established a need which currently exists and goes unfulfilled - an interest on the part of the American public to identify with and experience the legend of the cowboy, who symbolizes the pioneer spirit, individuality, and ruggedness of the Old West.