Set of saddle and stirrups Edo period, 19th century Riding equipment was introduced from the Korean peninsula and Chinese continent during the Kofun period. Later in the Heian period the style unique to Japan was created and continued through the Edo period. Stirrups, in which a rider puts his feet for support, were either plain ring or cup shaped for the protection of toes in the Kofun to Nara periods.
Bit is a metal mouthpiece for controlling a horse on a bridle.
Made of iron or bronze, its basic structure has not changed since the Kofun period. The Japanese term kura is often used to call a saddle frame alone, but it also refers to an entire set of saddle frame, stirrups, bit, martingale, crupper, saddle pad, stirrups straps, and mud guards. Japanese saddles included karagura which retained the characteristics of the Chinese style and were used for ceremonial and festive occasions, utsushigura which was attached to a horse kept at the imperial stables and used by a government official, yamatogura for private use, and suikangura which is a simplified version of yamatogura . This display includes the usual set of saddle frames, stirrups and bits as well as less frequently shown saddle pads and mud guards.