History of Horse Saddles
The term "saddle" refers to any seat put on the back of an animal for the purpose of riding, though those used for ponies and horses are the most commonly associated with the word. Horses were ridden bareback for some time before the invention of the saddle. Though no one is sure, some speculate that the saddle was invented over 2,500 years ago. Since its inception, however, it has proved to be one of those inventions humanity has found incalculably valuable.
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The Beginning of Saddles
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The first saddle concepts were seen as early as the Iron Age, when riders began to develop padded barriers between themselves and the horses. This demonstrated humanity's understanding that long horse rides could be made more comfortable for the horse and the rider with a little ingenuity.
Around 700 BC, the Middle East saw the advent of decorative warrior saddle cloths with straps resembling today's girths. Burial sites in Siberia dating to 500 BC contained decorated saddle covers made of leather, felt, hair and gold, revealing the use of these types of 'cushioned saddles,' girths and perhaps leather stirrups.
The First True Saddles
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The first true saddles can be traced to Asia around the 3rd century BC, when sites containing saddle 'trees' were uncovered. The saddle 'tree' is the foundation of what we think of today as the saddle seat. This tree kept the weight of the riders off of the animal and allowed the horse to work longer.
In the same period, the Sarmatians of the Middle East developed the first leather saddle, the first metal stirrups and the first spurs. It is believed they developed these tools to allow their warriors to throw spears more efficiently; if they were better balanced on their horses, they did not need to hang on to the animal with their hands.
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Early Roman and European Saddles
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The Romans developed the Roman cavalry saddle towards the end of their reign over Europe, which began to crumble around 400 AD. It had four pommels (one on each corner), a simple girth (attached at the breast and the breech--or bottom--of the animal) and no stirrups. A thousand years later, knights of medieval Europe began to use modified versions of the Sarmatian saddle.
Western Saddles
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As of 2010, the predominant saddle used in the United States is the Western saddle, which is another name for the Moorish saddle. A Moorish saddle has a single horn at the front to tie a lasso, but as this puts a lot of weight on the saddle, two strong girths secure it in place on the animal. These girths go under the horse and are tightened by cinch straps.
English Saddles
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The English saddle is, predictably, commonly used in Great Britain. It is a Hungarian saddle. Hungarian saddles lack horns, but have padding and stirrups that are placed farther forward on the horse than Western saddles. All well made saddles in the 21st century are properly fitted for the horse and rider to ensure the health, comfort and safety of both.
Speciality Saddles
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In the 21st centuries, many modifications of the English and Western saddles exist to accommodate specialties. These saddles include, among others, dressage saddles, racing saddles, jumping saddles and endurance saddles.
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References
- Photo Credit saddle image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com
