How Does a Saddle Work?

The Basics

A saddle is a supportive piece of equipment used for riding animals or supporting pack-animal loads. They are most commonly used for horses, but saddles have also been specially developed for camels, elephants, and other animals that may be domesticated and trained to bear a rider. Today's versions are often made of leather, and include the basics: flaps to protect against sweat, stirrups to provide stability and a girth or cinch to secure them on the animal.

Early Versions

The first saddles were little more than blankets attached with a surcingle or a strap that circles the girth area of an animal. These first saddles were used mainly for protection and padding for the rider. They also served as status symbols, with embellishments proclaiming an owner's social status or wealth. Additions such as stirrups developed overtime. Stirrups helped increase functionality of the saddle, and provided more security for the rider. Native Americans, for example, used stirrups to help hunt and fight from horseback, maintaining balance while shooting a bow and arrow at the same time. The solid saddle tree, a form of which we still use today, came later, and was a significant advancement in terms of saddle evolution.

Improved Functionality

With the invention of the solid tree, the practicality of the saddle increased. The tree helped accomplish many things. It helped to relieve pressure on the horse's spine, and distributed a rider's weight more evenly across a horse's back. Instead of forming intense pressure points on a horse's back, riders could make their mounts more comfortable, reducing the likelihood of soreness, and extending the horse's use. The solid tree also allowed additions such as the pommel (raised front of saddle) and the cantle (back of the saddle) to further stabilize the rider and help prevent him from falling off.

Modern Uses

Adjustments made to the pommel and cantle of different saddles led to the development of the two types of saddles we know today: English and Western. The Western saddle includes a horn, which is used in conjunction with a lasso, or rope, to catch and tie livestock. English saddles come in a variety of different types. Specialized jumping saddles include angled flaps to help a rider lean her weight forward when going over jumps or traveling quickly. Racing saddles are small, light saddles designed to place as little weight as possible on the back of the horse, and help the jockey to lean forward and balance his weight in short stirrups. Due to their specialized nature, different saddles are an essential element of nearly all equestrian activities.

Resources

• Proper Saddle Fit