Which of the following is the wide piece of leather along the stirrup leathers on a western saddle?

The wide piece of leather along the stirrup leathers on a western saddle is known as the fender. This component serves an important role in the saddle's design, as it helps to support the rider's leg and provides stability while riding. The fender is attached to the saddle and hangs down on either side, allowing for comfortable leg placement and reducing potential chafing during rides. The fender also helps distribute the rider's weight more evenly across the saddle, contributing to both the comfort of the rider and the overall balance of the horse.

In contrast, the skirt refers to the part of the saddle that sits on the horse's back, covering the saddle tree and providing some padding. The gullet is the channel that runs down the center of the saddle's tree, allowing for clearance of the horse's spine and preventing pressure on it. The seat is the area on which the rider sits while riding. Each of these components plays a distinct and essential role in the function of a western saddle, making the fender particularly important for supporting the stirrup leathers and enhancing the rider's comfort and control.