Equestrian knights

Great Saddle Deals on Ebay

2009-12-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

Parts of the English Saddle

2009-08-17T21:24:00.001-07:00

Parts of the English saddle

Tree: the base on which the rest of the saddle is built, usually based on wood or a wood-like synthetic material, with metal elements added, such as the stirrup bar and, in some cases, the gullet. It is eventually covered in leather or synthetic material as the saddle is built.

Underside of a Dressage saddle, showing panels, gullet, sweat flaps and tips of the billets

Panels: the part of an English-saddle which provides cushioning between the horse's back and the saddle, and allows adjustment in fitting the saddle to the horse. Also important in keeping the saddle balanced for the rider. Often stuffed with wool or foam flocking, or maintained by sealed air pockets. The panels under the cantle are called the "rear panels." Those at the front of the saddle are called the "front panels." However, the rear and front panels are one continuous unit, which can be seen if the saddle is flipped over. The saddle has two panels total, one on each side of the horse's spine.
Gullet: The channel between the panels of the saddle, which provides clearance for the horse's spine so the saddle does not place pressure on it. The gullet dictates the overall width of the saddle. and is a fixed part of most saddle trees, though in some models, different sized gullets may be exchanged on a single saddle.
Seat: the dip in the saddle where the rider's seatbones rest, it is the lowest part of the saddle's topline. The deeper the seat, the more security is provided for the rider.
Pommel: the front the saddle, which is raised higher than the seat both to provide security for the rider and to give wither clearance.
Cantle: the back of the saddle, which is raised higher than the seat to give security.
Waist or Twist: the part of the saddle between the seat and the pommel, on which the rider's pelvic bone rests. The width of the waist has a great effect on rider's comfort, especially for women riders.
Skirt or Jockey: piece of leather that goes over the stirrup bar, to help prevent the rider's leg from rubbing on the buckle of the stirrup leather (which is adjusted so it is right against the stirrup bar). It also helps to keep the buckle of the stirrup leather from unbuckling and sliding down. The skirt is small to allow easy access to the stirrup leather.
Saddle flap: The large piece of leather on the exterior of an English saddle that goes between the rider's leg and the billets and girth buckles. It helps prevent the horse's side from being pinched by the stirrup leather. The shape and length of the saddle flap is directly related to the intended use of the saddle, as it must mirror the rider's leg position.

Billets, sweat flap, buckle guard, and knee rolls. These are under the flap of the saddle

Sweat flap: The large piece of leather on the underside of the saddle that goes between the billets and the horse. It helps to protect the rest of the saddle from the sweat of the horse. It is not seen in monoflap saddles.
Billets (girth straps): Straps which are secured from the saddle tree and hang down, to which the girth is buckled. They have several holes in them to adjust the tightness of the girth. There are generally three billets (one spare), although some saddles have two long billets to buckle the girth lower down (below the saddle flap).
Girth Buckle guard: the billets are threaded through the Girth buckle guard, which protects the saddle flap from getting worn away by the buckles of the girth. These are not always present on saddles with long billets, which are intended to be buckled below the saddle flap.
Knee/Thigh roll: padding on an English saddle that is right under the knee and in front of the thigh, helps give the rider more support. It may be very thick in some saddles, very thin (called pencil-roll), or not present at all.
Calf block: padding that falls behind the rider's lower leg, helps to keep it in place and stabilize the rider. It is only seen on a few saddle models.
Stirrup: part of the saddle in which the rider's feet rest, provides support and leverage to the rider.
- Bar: part of the tree of the saddle which allows stirrups to be attached. It is made of strong metal. The stirrup bar is usually kept in the "open" position, so that, should the rider fall and start to be dragged, the stirrup leather can release off the saddle, freeing the rider. There are only a few instances in which the bar should be kept in the "closed" position, and some stirrup bar designs cannot be closed.
- Iron: The metal part of a stirrup, in which the foot of the rider rests. It provides support and leverage. It is usually made of stainless steel, not iron.
- Leather: The part of the stirrup which attached the stirrup iron to the stirrup bar of the saddle. It can be adjusted to change the lengths of stirrups. Leathers is correct plural usage.
Stirrup leather keeper: keeper sewn onto the saddle flap, through which the extra stirrup leather is passed. Keeps it neatly out of the way so it doesn't get under the rider's leg. Some saddles simply have a slot cut into the saddle flat, through which the leather is passed.
D-ring: a metal "D"-shaped ring on the front of an English saddle, to which certain pieces of equipment (such as breastplates) can be attached. They can occasionally be pulled out of the saddle when under great stress.

Endurance Saddle

2008-12-22T10:19:00.001-08:00

Original Track Back URL

The endurance saddle was designed for endurance competition where horse and rider can cover 50 to 100 miles in a single day. To be competitive, a rider needs a saddle that is lighter weight but still sturdy enough to withstand the long miles that can include rugged and steep terrain. Built for close contact with the horse, this saddle minimizes bulk wherever possible.
Typical features of an endurance saddle include:

Very comfortable, often padded, seat for long hours in the saddle
Typically, no horn in order to prevent the rider from getting poked in the stomach when posting, standing while trotting, or jumping trail obstacles
Very short, rounded skirt to lessen weight
Deep stirrups for comfort
Single rigging, typically in center-fire position, to prevent the saddle from tipping
A good number of saddle strings and rigging dees for securing gear
Smaller and lighter weight

While designed for competition, the endurance saddle is gaining popularity as a general trail saddle. It’s unusual styling, which is influenced by English versions, results in the most “unique” looking of all of the western saddle styles.

Technorati Tags: endurance saddle, horse, jumping,

Ranch Saddle

2008-11-25T06:41:00.001-08:00

Original Track Back URL

A ranch saddle is a true working saddle. You’ll find these saddles also called "cowboy," "buckaroo," "old time," and "all-around," with each term indicating slight differences. What they all have in common, however, is that they’re heavyweight, sturdy saddles designed both for cow work and for long hours of riding. Their goal is both comfort and
functionality for a variety of ranch work.

Typical features of a ranch saddle include:

A deep seat, set low on the horse for comfort and communication
Low swells to stay out of the way of the work. Many are Slick Fork (also known as A-Fork) saddles
A tall, thick horn with a horn wrap for dallying
Fenders hung directly below the rider for correct riding and working position
Double rigging - both a front cinch and a flank cinch
Typically, plate rigging for even pull on the horse and maximum strength
Higher cantle
Multiple saddle strings for tying gear on to the saddle
A rope strap for holding a lariat
Heavier weight

he ranch saddle, particularly the slick fork-style with a Wade tree,
has regained popularity of late with the renewed interest in the
buckaroo style of tack and riding. You’ll find a wide variety of these
solid saddles for sale among both custom saddle makers and
manufacturers. The ranch saddle is just a solid all-around using
saddle.


McCall	Longhorn

ranch saddle, longhorn, rigging, cantle, saddle strings, buckaroo, cinch, equestrian, slick fork

Australian Saddle

2008-10-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

Original Track Back URL
Not very many people are aware of the numerous advantages of an Australian saddle. This type of saddle promises improved rider comfort along with better fit and comfort for the horse. Greater rider security and safety and a more natural riding position make an Australian saddle a popular choice amongst novice riders. According to Aussie saddle manufacturers, and the many people who have ridden in one, once you've ridden in an Australian stock saddle, you will never want to ride in an English or Western saddle ever again.

The Australian saddle is basically a hybrid between a Western and an English saddle. However, a few additional features have been added that set the Aussie saddle apart from the other two. The addition of poleys or kneepads is one of the most obvious differences. These kneepads or ears should be parallel to the rider's thigh and about 1/2" away when seated. You'll notice the true value of the poleys when you're riding up or down any type of hill no matter how big or small. The poleys will help to keep you securely seated.

The girthing system is also quite different on an Australian saddle. A very simple, yet efficient double girthing system is used to attach the saddle to the horse. The billet straps and overgirth both buckle directly to the girth using an unusual leverage system. With the double girthing system you can make the Aussie saddle tighter with more efficiency, eliminating any chance of the saddle slipping off. If the billet strap breaks, the overgirth will provide additional safety.

The stirrup leathers on an Australian saddle are also designed with rider safety in mind. They are attached to the saddle in such a way that if you were to fall off and be dragged, the stirrup leathers will release from the saddle, reducing the risk of injury.

Overall the Australian saddle has evolved to suit the requirements of today's rider. The ability of the under padding to conform to the back of the horse also makes this saddle a great choice when it comes to fitting your horse. Security, comfort for horse and rider, reliability, lightweight, and overall performance make the Aussie saddle the perfect choice for almost everyone.

Equestrian

2008-10-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Quarantined horses tested for flu

2008-09-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2008

Original Track Back URL

ALL 74 horses at a New South Wales quarantine station are being retested for equine influenza (EI) after one horse returned a positive result, federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke says.

While the horse in question at the Eastern Creek Quarantine Facility, in western Sydney, had returned a negative result after the same sample was retested, all the horses at the centre would be retested, Mr Burke said today.

The results of all of the horses will be known in the next few days and all would remain in quarantine until there is an all-clear.

"Right at this point, I'm not at the stage of being able to say it's time to relax because the second result came back as a negative,'' Mr Burke said in Canberra.

"We know how devastating it (EI) was a year ago.

"The billion-dollar figure is often quoted, the truth is we'll never know the full cost of that outbreak.''

saddleonline, saddlebred, saddle, girth, cinch

The United Classic Horse Show and Morab Nationals

2008-09-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

NOTE: The 2008 United Classic is cancelled due to the pending consolidation of the Morab Horse Association & Register, Inc. and the Purebred Morab Horse Association. This consolidation is an excellent move toward unifying the Morab breed and the cancellation of the show in no way reflects anything negative on the show or the Morab breed. The United Classic will be back in 2009 so please watch for an update.

" What Exhibitors Call the Best Show of the Season!!Bringing the fun back to showing in a Class A environment with focus on youth and amateur exhibitors and horses. "

September 19, 2008 to September 21, 2008

Wahl Equestrian Center, Sterling, Illinois
Sterling, Illinois

saddle, saddleonline, girth, cinch, saddlebred

How to saddle a Horse

2008-09-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Step1

Know that horses come in all shapes and sizes. You'll need to find a saddle that properly fits your horse. It's best to bring your horse to a saddlery so you can fit several saddles at a time.

Step2

Select a saddle that fits snugly over the horse's withers, shoulders and back without digging in.

Step3

Set the saddle on top of a saddle pad without snugging the cinch down. There should be no gaps around the entire skirt of the saddle.

Step4

Tighten down the cinch to secure the saddle to the horse.

Step5

Slide your hand in between the horse and the saddle pad. You should be able to move your fingers all the way around the saddle without forcing it.

Step6

Look to see that the saddle doesn't hit the horse's withers.

Step7

Choose a saddle that fits properly over a saddle that doesn't fit as well but is designed for the type of riding you'll be doing. Fit comes before function.

How to saddle a Horse

2008-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Saddle

2008-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Background

A saddle is a seat for the rider of an animal, usually a horse. A well-made saddle gives the horse rider the necessary support, security, and control over the animal. The saddle makes it possible for the rider to keep in balance with the horse by allowing him or her to sit over the horse's point of balance.

The first saddles were simply animal skins or cloths thrown over the backs of horses, offering only a small measure of comfort to the riders. About 2,000 years ago, the Sarmatians, a nomadic tribe who lived around the Black Sea region, designed a saddle based on a shaped wooden foundation, or tree. The tree had front and rear arches joined by wooden bars on each side of the horse's spine. This design, improved upon during the medieval era with the advent of the dip-seated saddle, survives in an adapted form as the Western saddle.

A typical saddle includes a base frame or "tree"; a seat for the rider; skirts, panels, and flaps that protect the horse from the rider's legs and vice versa; a girth that fits around the stomach of the horse and keeps the saddle stable; and stirrups for the rider's feet.

The saddle tree is the frame on which the saddle is built. Its shape determines the shape of the saddle, which varies from the flat-race tree weighing only a few ounces to the modern dip-seated spring tree.

Ideally, the tree should be built to fit the back of the horse for which the saddle is intended. Most of the time, however, saddles are manufactured for certain sizes and shapes and will fit most horses of equivalent sizes and shapes. Trees are usually made in three width fittings: narrow, medium, and broad, and four lengths: 15 inches, 16 inches, 16 1/2 inches and 17 1/2 inches (38.1, 40.64, 41.9, and 44.45 centimeters respectively).

Panels are cushions divided by a channel that gives a comfortable padded surface to the horse's back while raising the tree high enough to give easy clearance of the animal's spine. The panels also disperse the rider's weight over a larger surface, thereby protecting the horse from the weight of the rider. These panels also protect the horse's back from the hardness of the saddle. The purpose of the skirts is to protect the rider's legs from the sweat of the horse, and to cover the girths and girth straps. Saddles also include D-rings, small leather straps with strings attached that can hold canteens, jackets, food pouches, and other items.

Modern horse saddles are divided into two broad categories: the English and Western saddle. Originally designed for show jumping, the English saddle has a deep seat and sloped back. Its design was derived in part from the crouched-forward position adopted by Tod Sloan, an American jockey, and the subsequent Italian design introduced by Caprilli in 1906. Sloan's forward crouch placed the rider's weight forward, thus freeing the horse's loins and hindquarters. Because professional jockeys had previously positioned their weight on the loins and behind the movement of the horse, Sloan's technique revolutionized professional horse racing.

One type of English saddle, the "jumping saddle," is designed to position the rider more forward. It is almost always built on a spring tree and generally has a deep seat. In

The first step in saddle manufacture is treating the leather. This involves soaking the hide in a lime solution to loosen the outer layer of skin and the hair, and then removing the hair.
The frame of the saddle is the tree. One typical tree type, the spring tree, is shaped out of thin plywood. Fiberglass material (the fiberglass looks like a white screen mesh) is then stretched over this plywood, and liquid resin is hand-brushed or sprayed on top, resulting in a very strong and durable product.

contrast, the "dressage saddle" is designed to position the rider more to the center of the horse, allowing him or her to use the leg and weight aids with greater precision. Only the sweat flap separates the rider's leg from the horse. Today, English saddles are used for sport and general purposes.

Traditionally, the Western saddle has been used primarily for work. It has a wider and longer panel than the English saddle and disperses more of the rider's weight over the back of the horse. Western saddles also have a roping horn on the pommel to facilitate the roping of cattle, and are equipped with extra D-rings, or tie-downs, to hold ropes and other items.

There are four types of Western saddles. The pleasure or "ranch saddle," which weighs approximately 25 pounds (11.35 kilograms), and the "equitation saddle," weighing about 25 to 30 pounds (11.35 to 13.62 kilograms), are suitable for general riding. The "roping saddle" (about 40 to 50 pounds [18 to 23 kilograms) is designed for use in cattle roping. Because of the comfort it provides, many find it suitable for general riding as well. The "cutting saddle" is slightly lighter, about 30 pounds, and is used in cow cutting competitions. Because its light weight allows for greater movement, some riders also find the cutting saddle suitable for general purposes.

Raw Materials

Flaps, girth straps, and stirrup leathers are typically made from animal skins taken from cattle, pig, sheep, or deer; cowhide is the most common skin used in saddle making. Saddle trees can be composed of several materials, including beech wood, fiberglass, plastic, laminated wood, steel, aluminum, and iron. Seats are usually made from canvas, felt, and wool, while panels can include plastic foam, rubber, and linen.

The Manufacturing
Process

Treating the leather

1 After the hide or skin is removed from the animal's carcass, it is soaked in drums containing lime and other chemicals to loosen the hair and outer layer of the skin. The inside flesh layer is also removed, either by machine or hand with a special knife. The remaining hide is soaked in lime and bacteria solutions to remove residue. Next, the hair is removed, either by machine or manually with a special knife. The hide is soaked again, this time in an acid solution in order to remove the lime left by the previous soakings. Because it is important that the fleshy side is left smooth with no loose fibers, the hide undergoes a final treatment called scudding, which involves hanging the hide over a beam and removing any bits of remaining hair, tissue, and dirt with a blunt knife. The hide is then thoroughly washed.
2 To prevent hides from decaying, they are immersed in a diluted solution of tanning acid. Over several months, they are gradually treated with stronger solutions. Oil tanning, or chamoising, is still used sometimes by rubbing animal or fish grease into the hide.
3 At this point, the leather has two sides, the flesh side and the grain side. The hides are now given to a currier, who manually rubs a mixture of tallow, cod oil, and other greases, plus wax, into the leather over a period of time. This process gives the leather color, makes it flexible, durable, and waterproof. The most common and popular colors for saddles are golden yellow, also known as the London color, and Havana, which is of a darker shade. Warwick, a much darker color that turns black with use, is applied in the making of frizzing harness as opposed to riding tack. (This color is produced by staining with aniline dye.) The currier then allows the hides to mature for several weeks.

Making the saddle tree

4 There are two basic saddle tree designs: the rigid and spring tree, both of which can accommodate either a straight or dipped seat. The modern English saddle usually has a spring tree, while the Western saddle has a rigid tree.
The spring tree is first shaped out of thin plywood. Fiberglass material (the fiberglass looks like a white screen mesh) is then stretched over this plywood, and liquid resin is hand-brushed or sprayed on top, resulting in a very strong and durable product. Two "springs" made of lightweight steel strips are then inserted under the tree running from front to the rear along the widest part of the seat, and set about two inches (five centimeters) from the outside. The springs provide greater comfort and more flexibility to the rider by allowing the pressure exerted through the seat bones to be transmitted to the horse.
5 The rigid saddle tree is made by molding it out of fiberglass, by combining wood shavings with resin in a mold under pressure, or by creating a wooden tree around which wet leather strips are wrapped and allowed to dry.
6 To reinforce the saddle tree, steel plates are placed underneath the tree from the pommel (the head) to the cantle (the rear part of the saddle, which projects upward). The steel plates are secured above and below the pommel at the head and gullet of the tree.

Stirrups

7 The stirrup bars are attached next. A prong-line metal bracket measuring three inches wide is bolted onto the tree below the head on the point of the tree (the forward-most point of the saddle). Bars are made of two pieces: the bar itself, and a movable catch or "thumb piece," which is set into the bar. This catch works on the premise that it can be opened when the stirrup leather is put in position and will, in theory, open and release the leather if the rider should fall. The bars are always forged (hammered or squeezed into the proper shape) or cast (put into a liquid state and forced into a shaped mold), and the word "forged" or "cast" is always stamped on the bar.
A typical saddle includes a seat for the rider; skirts, panels, and flaps that protect the horse from the rider's legs and vice versa; a girth that fits around the stomach of the horse and keeps the saddle stable; and stirrups for the rider's feet. D-rings are used to hold items such as canteens or ropes.
8 The stirrup leathers, about 7/8 inch (2.2 centimeters) wide, are made from "read leather": cowhide, rawhide, or buffalo hide. They go over the top of the bar and back down to the stirrups.

The seat

9 A strong muslin cloth is placed over the tree from the pommel to the cantle, to form a foundation. Pitch paint is then applied to waterproof it. Next, strips of white serge, a woolen material, are stretched and fastened tightly with small nails from the head of the tree at the pommel to the cantle. Stretch canvas is then positioned over the serge and nailed in place. This forms the base of the seat.
10 Small pieces of shaped felt and leather (called bellies) are placed on the edges of the tree at the broadest part of the seat so that when the seat is eventually made, it will not drop away at the edges. A piece of serge is then tightly stretched and stitched down to the canvas layer to make the shape of the seat. Next, a small slit is made so that the space between the serge and canvas can be lightly stuffed with wool to give the seat resilience and to prevent the tree itself being felt through the leather seat.
11 Pigskin is now dampened and stretched tightly, and is then stretched over the seat. (The pigskin is dampened and stretched so that when it dries and shrinks, a neat and tight final product will be achieved.) The under panel, which protects the horse from the girths, is stitched and nailed into place on the tree. The under panel is usually made of pigskin leather or grained cowhide.

Girths

12 Girth straps are attached to the saddle next. Made of soft leather, these straps are very short. Attached to them are the girths, whose purpose is to hold the saddle firmly in place by fastening them around the horse's belly. These girths are made in 7/8-inch or one-inch (2.54 centimeters) thick sizes, and they can range in length from 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) for a tiny pony to 54 inches (137 centimeters) for a large horse (these measurements include the buckles). Girths are made of soft leather, mohair, or nylon.

Panels

13 The outer panels, made of leather, are stuffed with felt, wool, or plastic foam and are covered in either leather, serge, or linen. They are attached underneath the saddle. Leather skirts are then sewn just above the outer panel. D-rings (also known as tie-downs) are now attached to the saddle. Usually about one inch wide, the D-rings are made of rawhide and have strings attached to them.

Byproducts

Byproducts of saddle manufacturing include saddle and bridle accessories such as bit guards, lip straps, leather straps for the nose nets, breastplates, and girth safes, which prevent the buckles from wearing a hole in the panel.

Where To Learn More

Books

Baker, Jennifer. Saddlery and Horse Equipment: A Practical Horse Guide. Arco Publishing, 1982.

Beatie, Russel H. Saddles. University of Oklahoma Press, 1981.

The Complete Book of Riding: A Guide to Saddlery, Care and Management, International Breeds, Riding Techniques and Competitive Riding. Gallery Books, 1989.

Crabtree, Helen K. Saddle Equitation. Doubleday, 1982.

Sherer, Richard L. Horseman's Handbook of Western Saddles. Sherer Custom Saddles, 1988.

—Eva Sideman

Measuring A English Bridle, Western Bridle & Halter

2007-04-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

To Measure for an English Bridle~

To measure for an English Bridle, we ask for these measurements:
1. The Bit to Bit measurement around the poll- (pink line)
2. The Browband measurement- (orange line)
3. The Throatlatch measurement- (light blue line)
4. The nose measurement front & nose measurement back- (yellow line)
5. The Caveson Crown measurement- (See picture on left)The caveson/noseband style (whether you like the caveson cheeks showing or not) will depend upon the measurements you send us. Some customers like the caveson cheek pieces further forward, some like them back.

To Measure for a Western Bridle~

To measure for a Western Browband Bridle, we ask for these measurements:

1. The Bit to Bit measurement around the poll- (pink line)

2. The Browband measurement- (orange line)

3. The Throatlatch measurement- (light blue line)

For English, please use the above three PLUS the Noseband (yellow line).

To Measure for a Halter~

To measure for a halter, we ask that you give us the measurement of the leather or nylon of a well fitted halter that you are currently using. When measuring without the benefit of a well fitting halter, meausre the nose circumference about two fingers under the prominent cheek bone (ALL THE WAY AROUND!). Then using that mark, measure from one side of the cheek, all the way around the poll to the other side. Please also include the length from the throatlatch to where the noseband would sit under the horses head. This is very important.

Western Saddle

2007-04-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

English Saddle

2007-04-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Saddle

2007-04-23T09:39:00.001-07:00

An "English" style saddle used for riding horses.
A saddle is a seat for a rider fastened to an animal's back. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a horse, but specialized saddles have been created for camels and other creatures.

1 Types of modern equestrian saddle
1.1 English saddle
1.2 Stock saddles
1.3 Asian saddle
1.4 Other
2 Parts of an equestrian saddle
3 History and development
3.1 Early Civilization
3.2 The Middle Ages
3.3 The development of the modern saddle
4 Cleaning the saddle
5 References
6 External links

Types of modern equestrian saddle

In the Western world there are two basic types of saddles used today for horseback riding, usually called the English saddle and the "Stock" Saddle. The best known stock saddle is the American western saddle. In Asia and throughout the world, there are numerous saddles of unique designs used by various nationalities and ethnic groups.

English saddle

English saddles are used for English riding throughout the world, not just in England or English-speaking countries. They are the saddles used in all of the Olympic equestrian disciplines. To non-horsemen, the major distinguishing feature of an English saddle is its lack of a horn and its panels: a pair of pads attached to the underside of the seat and filled with wool, foam, or air.
The term English saddle encompasses several different styles of saddle, including those used for eventing, show jumping and hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat, horse racing and polo.

Stock saddles

Western saddle
Australian Stock Saddle

A western saddle
Western saddles are saddles originally designed to be used on horses on working cattle ranches in the United States. Used today in a wide variety of western riding activities, they are the "cowboy saddles" familiar to movie viewers, rodeo fans, and those who have gone on tourist trail rides. The Western saddle has no padding of its own, and must be used with a saddle blanket or pad in order to provide a comfortable fit for the horse. It also has sturdier stirrups and uses a cinch rather than a girth. Its most distinctive feature is the horn on the front of the saddle, originally used to dally a lariat when roping cattle.
Other nations such as Australia and Argentina have stock saddles that lack a horn but have other features commonly seen in a western saddle, including a deep seat, high cantle, and heavier leather.

Asian saddle

A saddle from the Yi ethnic minority province in Yunnan province, China. Saddle has a leather base with lacquer overlay
Saddles in Asia date back several thousand years to the time of the Scythians. Modern Asian saddles can be divided into two groups: Saddles from Central Asia, which have a prominent horn and leather covering, and saddles from East Asia, which have a high pommel and cantle. Central Asian saddles are noted for their wide seats and high horns. The saddle has a base of wood with a thin leather covering that frequently has a lacquer finish. Central Asian saddles have no pad and must be ridden with a saddle blanket. The horn comes in particular good use during the rough horseback sport of ‘‘buskashi (see Pashtun culture), played throughout Central Asia, which involves two teams of riders wrestling over a decapitated goat’s carcass.

A Central Asian saddle from Kashgar, China.
Saddles from East Asia differ from Central Asian saddles by their high pommel and cantle and lack of a horn. East Asian saddles can be divided into several types that are associated with certain nationalities and ethnic groups. Saddles used by the Han Chinese are noted by their use of inlay work for ornamentation. Japanese saddles frequently are covered in a thick lacquer finish. Tibetan saddles typically employ iron covers inlaid with precious metals on the pommel and cantle and universally come with padding. Mongolian saddles are similar to the Tibetan style except that they are typically smaller and the seat has a high ridge. Saddles from ethnic minority groups in China’s southwest, such as in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, have colorful lacquer work over a leather covering.

Other

A McClellan cavalry saddle, used by the United States Army in the late 1800s

An Endurance saddle, based on a western saddle design
Sidesaddle, designed originally as a woman's saddle that allowed a rider in a skirt to stay on and control a horse. Sidesaddle riding is still seen today in horse shows, parades and other exhibitions.
Endurance riding saddle, a saddle designed to be comfortable to the horse with broad panels but lightweight design, as well as comfortable for the rider over long hours of riding over challenging terrain.
Treeless saddle or Flexible tree saddle, available in both Western and English designs, but not built upon a solid saddle tree, intended to be flexible and comfortable on a variety of horses, but also not always able to provide the weight support that a solid tree can.
Military or Police saddle, similar to an English saddle in general design, but with a tree that provides greater security to the rider and distributes a rider's weight over a greater area so that the horse is comfortable with a rider on its back for long hours.
McClellan saddle, a specific American cavalry model used in the post-Civil War era by the United States Army, particularly in the American west. It was designed with an English-type tree, but with a higher pommel and cantle. Also, the area upon which the rider sits was divided into two sections with a gap between the two panels.
Pack saddle, similar to a cavalry saddle in the simplicity of its construction, but intended solely for the support of heavy bags or other objects being carried by the horse.
Bareback pad, usually a simple pad in the shape of a saddle pad, made of cordura nylon or leather, padded with fleece, wool or synthetic foam, equipped with a girth. It is used as an alternative to bareback riding to provide padding for both horse and rider and to help keep the rider's clothing a bit cleaner. Depending on materials, bareback pads offer a bit more grip to the rider's seat and legs. However, though some bareback pads come with handles and even stirrups, without being attached to a saddle tree, these appendages are actually unsafe and pads with them should be avoided.

Parts of an equestrian saddle

Tree: the base on which the rest of the saddle is built. Usually based on wood or a similar synthetic material, It is eventually covered in leather or a leatherlike synthetic. The tree size determines its fit on the horse's back as well as the size of the seat for the rider.
Seat: the part of the saddle where the rider sits, it is usually lower than the pommel and cantle to provide security
'Pommel or Pomnel (English)/ Swell (Western): the front, slightly raised area of the saddle.
Cantle: the back of the saddle
Stirrup: part of the saddle in which the rider's feet go, provides support and leverage to the rider.
Leathers and Flaps (English) or Fenders (Western): The leather straps connecting the stirrups to the saddle tree and protecting the rider's legs from sweat.
D-ring: a "D"-shaped ring on the front of a saddle, to which certain pieces of equipment (such as breastplates) can be attached.
'Girth or Cinch: A strap that goes around the horse's barrel that holds the saddle on.

Saddle

2007-04-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

An "English" style saddle used for riding horses.
A saddle is a seat for a rider fastened to an animal's back. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a horse, but specialized saddles have been created for camels and other creatures.

1 Types of modern equestrian saddl
1.1 English saddle
1.2 Stock saddles
1.3 Asian saddle
1.4 Other
2 Parts of an equestrian saddle
3 History and development
3.1 Early Civilization
3.2 The Middle Ages
3.3 The development of the modern saddle
4 Cleaning the saddle
5 References
6 External links

Types of modern equestrian saddle

In the Western world there are two basic types of saddles used today for horseback riding, usually called the English saddle and the "Stock" Saddle. The best known stock saddle is the American western saddle. In Asia and throughout the world, there are numerous saddles of unique designs used by various nationalities and ethnic groups.

English saddle

English saddles are used for English riding throughout the world, not just in England or English-speaking countries. They are the saddles used in all of the Olympic equestrian disciplines. To non-horsemen, the major distinguishing feature of an English saddle is its lack of a horn and its panels: a pair of pads attached to the underside of the seat and filled with wool, foam, or air.
The term English saddle encompasses several different styles of saddle, including those used for eventing, show jumping and hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat, horse racing and polo.

Stock saddles

Main article: Western saddle
Main article: Australian Stock Saddle

A western saddle
Western saddles are saddles originally designed to be used on horses on working cattle ranches in the United States. Used today in a wide variety of western riding activities, they are the "cowboy saddles" familiar to movie viewers, rodeo fans, and those who have gone on tourist trail rides. The Western saddle has no padding of its own, and must be used with a saddle blanket or pad in order to provide a comfortable fit for the horse. It also has sturdier stirrups and uses a cinch rather than a girth. Its most distinctive feature is the horn on the front of the saddle, originally used to dally a lariat when roping cattle.
Other nations such as Australia and Argentina have stock saddles that lack a horn but have other features commonly seen in a western saddle, including a deep seat, high cantle, and heavier leather.

Asian saddle

A saddle from the Yi ethnic minority province in Yunnan province, China. Saddle has a leather base with lacquer overlay
Saddles in Asia date back several thousand years to the time of the Scythians. Modern Asian saddles can be divided into two groups: Saddles from Central Asia, which have a prominent horn and leather covering, and saddles from East Asia, which have a high pommel and cantle. Central Asian saddles are noted for their wide seats and high horns. The saddle has a base of wood with a thin leather covering that frequently has a lacquer finish. Central Asian saddles have no pad and must be ridden with a saddle blanket. The horn comes in particular good use during the rough horseback sport of ‘‘buskashi (see Pashtun culture), played throughout Central Asia, which involves two teams of riders wrestling over a decapitated goat’s carcass.

A Central Asian saddle from Kashgar, China.
Saddles from East Asia differ from Central Asian saddles by their high pommel and cantle and lack of a horn. East Asian saddles can be divided into several types that are associated with certain nationalities and ethnic groups. Saddles used by the Han Chinese are noted by their use of inlay work for ornamentation. Japanese saddles frequently are covered in a thick lacquer finish. Tibetan saddles typically employ iron covers inlaid with precious metals on the pommel and cantle and universally come with padding. Mongolian saddles are similar to the Tibetan style except that they are typically smaller and the seat has a high ridge. Saddles from ethnic minority groups in China’s southwest, such as in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, have colorful lacquer work over a leather covering.

Other

A McClellan cavalry saddle, used by the United States Army in the late 1800s

An Endurance saddle, based on a western saddle design
Sidesaddle, designed originally as a woman's saddle that allowed a rider in a skirt to stay on and control a horse. Sidesaddle riding is still seen today in horse shows, parades and other exhibitions.
Endurance riding saddle, a saddle designed to be comfortable to the horse with broad panels but lightweight design, as well as comfortable for the rider over long hours of riding over challenging terrain.
Treeless saddle or Flexible tree saddle, available in both Western and English designs, but not built upon a solid saddle tree, intended to be flexible and comfortable on a variety of horses, but also not always able to provide the weight support that a solid tree can.
Military or Police saddle, similar to an English saddle in general design, but with a tree that provides greater security to the rider and distributes a rider's weight over a greater area so that the horse is comfortable with a rider on its back for long hours.
McClellan saddle, a specific American cavalry model used in the post-Civil War era by the United States Army, particularly in the American west. It was designed with an English-type tree, but with a higher pommel and cantle. Also, the area upon which the rider sits was divided into two sections with a gap between the two panels.
Pack saddle, similar to a cavalry saddle in the simplicity of its construction, but intended solely for the support of heavy bags or other objects being carried by the horse.
Bareback pad, usually a simple pad in the shape of a saddle pad, made of cordura nylon or leather, padded with fleece, wool or synthetic foam, equipped with a girth. It is used as an alternative to bareback riding to provide padding for both horse and rider and to help keep the rider's clothing a bit cleaner. Depending on materials, bareback pads offer a bit more grip to the rider's seat and legs. However, though some bareback pads come with handles and even stirrups, without being attached to a saddle tree, these appendages are actually unsafe and pads with them should be avoided.

Parts of an equestrian saddle

Tree: the base on which the rest of the saddle is built. Usually based on wood or a similar synthetic material, It is eventually covered in leather or a leatherlike synthetic. The tree size determines its fit on the horse's back as well as the size of the seat for the rider.
Seat: the part of the saddle where the rider sits, it is usually lower than the pommel and cantle to provide security
'Pommel or Pomnel (English)/ Swell (Western): the front, slightly raised area of the saddle.
Cantle: the back of the saddle
Stirrup: part of the saddle in which the rider's feet go, provides support and leverage to the rider.
Leathers and Flaps (English) or Fenders (Western): The leather straps connecting the stirrups to the saddle tree and protecting the rider's legs from sweat.
D-ring: a "D"-shaped ring on the front of a saddle, to which certain pieces of equipment (such as breastplates) can be attached.
'Girth or Cinch: A strap that goes around the horse's barrel that holds the saddle on.

Equestrian Activities

2007-04-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Overview of equestrian activities
Horses are trained and ridden for practical working purposes such as in police work or for controlling herd animals on a ranch. They are also used in competitive sports including, but not limited to dressage, endurance racing, eventing, reining, show jumping, tent pegging, vaulting, polo, horse racing, combined driving, and rodeo. (See additional equestrian sports listed later in this article for more examples.) Some popular forms of competition are grouped together at horse shows, where horse perform in a wide variety of disciplines. Horses (and other equids such as mules and donkeys) are used for non-competitive recreational riding such as fox hunting, trail riding or hacking. There is public access to horse trails in almost every part of the world; many parks, ranches, and barns offer both guided and independent trail riding. Horses are also ridden for therapeutic purposes, both in specialized paraequestrian competition as well as non-competitive riding to improve human health and emotional development.
Horses are also driven in harness in racing, exhibition, and competitive show events. In some parts of the world, they are still used for practical purposes such as farming. For more information on the uses of horses in harness and driving, see harness racing and carriage driving.
Horses continue to be used in public service: in traditional ceremonies (parades, funerals), police and volunteer mounted patrols, and for mounted search and rescue.

Though there is controversy over the exact date horses were first ridden, the best estimate is that horses first carried riders approximately 5000 years ago. The earliest archaeological evidence of horses being ridden was in the military: chariot warfare in ancient times was followed by the use of war horses as light and heavy cavalry. However, horses were also ridden for everyday transport, and to carry messages in both war and peacetime. The horse and horseback riding played important roles throughout history and all over the world.

Equestrian

2007-04-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

An equestrian (Latin eques, plural equites - also known as a vir egregius, lit. excellent man, from the 2nd century AD onwards) was a member of one of the two upper social classes in the Roman Republic and early Roman Empire. This social class is often translated as Knight or Chevalier. However, this translation is not literal, since medieval knights relied on their martial skills, the physical power of their horse and armour to support their position, while the connection of Roman equestrians to horses had become more symbolic even in the early days of the Republic. The social position of knights and equestrians, however, was extremely similar, equestrians being the nearest Roman equivalent to Medieval nobility, the Roman tax farming system shared many similarities with medieval feudalism without actually being identical due to inherent differences in the social structure and the level of central government.
The equites were the Roman middle class between the upper class of patricians and the lower class of plebs. The distinguishing mark of the equestrian class was a gold ring (that of the patricians was a purple band on the toga).

Origin

2007-04-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

Before the Middle Ages, most armies were largely composed of infantry. Horsemen were used as advance scouts, small fast raiding parties, troop escorts, and to outflank infantry lines. The majority of the fighting was done by infantry. Still, ancient armies needed cavalry, and the horsemen usually belonged to the highest classes, because no one else could afford a horse. Consequently, it was prestigious to own and ride a horse: you could show that you were rich and did not have to perform manual labor (or hand to hand combat).
Ancient Rome was no exception to this rule, although the horsemen received financial compensation to buy a horse (the equus publicus, horse bought by the commonwealth). Thus, originally, the Equestrians were a military as well as a political group. It is said that king Servius Tullius divided the Roman nation into centuries, which were not only units of soldiers on the battlefield but also voting units in the so-called Centuriate Assembly. The Roman historian Livy offers a description of a complex system with 18 centuries of cavalry, 170 centuries of infantry, and 2 centuries of engineers. When the centuries came together to vote, the equites centuries cast their 18 votes first, followed by the 172 remaining centuries, and one additional vote for those who were too poor to serve in the army but still had a political vote. (Although the fact that the people were divided belongs to the age of kings, it is likely that these specific numbers date back to the fourth century BC.)

Equestrian knights

Great Saddle Deals on Ebay

Parts of the English Saddle

Parts of the English saddle

Endurance Saddle

Ranch Saddle

Australian Saddle

Equestrian

Quarantined horses tested for flu

The United Classic Horse Show and Morab Nationals

How to saddle a Horse

How to saddle a Horse

Saddle

Background

Raw Materials

The ManufacturingProcess

Treating the leather

Making the saddle tree

Stirrups

The seat

Girths

Panels

Byproducts

Where To Learn More

Books

Measuring A English Bridle, Western Bridle & Halter

Western Saddle

English Saddle

Saddle

Saddle

Equestrian Activities

Equestrian

Origin

The Manufacturing
Process