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| | The Parts of a Saddle
| An article from Used Saddles and Bridles UK
| | The Parts of a Saddle
The Saddle Tree is the foundation of the saddle and can be one of two designs - rigid or spring. A spring tree is
usually used for English saddles, and a rigid tree for Western saddles.A spring tree is made from thin plywood, to give the shape,
covered with fibreglass to give strength. The 'spring' is provided by steel strips under the saddle running from the front to the back
of the saddle. A rigid tree is made from either wood wrapped with leather, or pressure molded fibreglass and wood shavings. Steel
plates are attached underneath the tree for further reinforcement.
Another type of saddle is the Treeless Saddle in which the support is provided by a fibreglass pommel and cantle instead of a
tree.
The Pommel is the front part of the saddle that rises to skim over the horse's withers.
The Cantle is the part that rises at the back of the seat.
The Seat is the dip between the pommel and cantle where the rider sits.
The Stirrup Leathers are the adjustable leather (or sometimes webbing) straps that are attached to horizontal bars
under the skirt and are used to hold the stirrups. These bars are made in two pieces ,a bar and a movable catch to secure the stirrup
leather and to release it should the rider fall from the horse.
The Stirrup Irons or stirrups hang from the stirrup leathers and support the rider's feet.
The Flap is a leather flap that sits on top of the girth straps and buckles to keep the rider's legs from rubbing on
them.
The Girth Straps are short leather or webbing straps that hold buckles with which to attach the girth
The Knee Roll provides padding and grip for the rider's knee
The Outer Panels are made of leather and are filled with padding of felt, wool or plastic foam. They are attached to
the saddle under the skirt. The padding is to protect the horse's back and to distribute the rider's weight evenly.
The Keeper is a small leather strap that the end of the stirrup leather can be threaded through to keep it out of the
way.
The Gullet is found on the underside of the saddle and is the groove that runs down the middle of the saddle from
front to back.
The Skirt is the flap of leather over the stirrup bar.
D-Rings are attached to the saddles to provide places to attach equipment e.g. a martingale. | |
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