As an equine rider, this is something I can heartily endorse. I read about it in a mule magazine article, but could never find  where to buy one, or any information about them. Why are they called a night latch, for heavens sake? this might shed some insight:

THE COWBOY NIGHT LATCH HAS BEEN A LONG TIME TRADITION AMONG OLD TIME BRONC BUSTERS, AND IS STILL USEFUL TODAY.
USING THE NIGHT LATCH ALLOWS YOU TO PULL YOURSELF DOWN INTO THE SADDLE MORE SECURITY THAN GRABBING THE SADDLE HORN.
DURING THE TIME OF TRAIL DRIVES WHEN THE ONLY SHUT EYE A TRAIL HAND MAY GET WOULD BE IN THE SADDLE, BY WEDGING HIS HAND FIRMLY IN THE NIGHT LATCH HE COULD DOZE OFF AND HAVE A CHANCE
TO CATCH HIMSELF PREVENTING A SERIOUS FALL.
OUR NIGHT LATCH IS FULLY ADJUSTABLE.
MADE OF 3/4″ WIDE HEAVY HARNESS LEATHER AND
LACED WITH PREMIUM LACE TO OFFER A GOOD GRIPPING SURFACE.
THE NIGHT LATCH IS INSTALLED BY BUCKELING AROUND
SWELL AND UP THROUGH THE GULLETT.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEATHER-COWBOY-NIGHT-LATCH-GRAB-STRAP-NEW-HORSE-TACK-/121033087459?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D3943083151925949663%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D180853179505%26

 

I wrote about this little item in my Mules, Mules and More Mules book, as it came in handy for me. Instead of having a “night latch” I found out that I could secure my old body deeper in the saddle when “incidents” ocurred, by making only 1 wrap around the latigo that hung by my other hand. This only works if your animal neck reins and you have a free hand. It has saved my bottom and head many times since I discovered how to do it. If you can stay on for the first jump of a spook, you have a super chance of regaining your seat and “whoaing” your animal. Try it and see if you like it!

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