page_title: Saddle
section_title: Parts of an equestrian saddle
hierarchical_section_title: Saddle / Parts of an equestrian saddle
caption_attribution_description: English: The tree for a western saddle. This one is a manufactured tree of pine covered in fiberglass, an inexpensive design
context_page_description: The saddle is a supportive structure for a rider or other load, fastened to an animal's back by a girth. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a horse. However, specialized saddles have been created for oxen, camels and other creatures. It is not known precisely when riders first began to use some sort of padding or protection, but a blanket attached by some form of surcingle or girth was probably the first "saddle", followed later by more elaborate padded designs. The solid saddle tree was a later invention, and though early stirrup designs predated the invention of the solid tree. The paired stirrup, which attached to the tree, was the last element of the saddle to reach the basic form that is still used today. Today, modern saddles come in a wide variety of styles, each designed for a specific equestrianism discipline, and require careful fit to both the rider and the horse. Proper saddle care can extend the useful life of a saddle, often for decades. The saddle was a crucial step in the increased use of domesticated animals, during the Classical Era.
context_section_description: Tree: the base on which the rest of the saddle is built - usually based on wood or a similar synthetic material. The saddler eventually covers it with leather or with a leather-like synthetic. The tree's size determines its fit on the horse's back, as well as the size of the seat for the rider. It provides a bearing surface to protect the horse from the weight of the rider. The solid saddle tree raises the rider above the horse's back, and distributes the rider's weight, reducing the pounds per square inch carried on any one part of the horse's back, thus greatly increasing the comfort of the horse and prolonging its useful life.
  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)/ Swells (Western): the front, slightly raised area of the saddle.
  Cantle: the rear of the saddle
  Stirrup: part of the saddle in which the rider's feet are placed; 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 leather flaps giving support to the rider's leg and protecting the rider 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 wide strap that goes under the horse's barrel, just behind the front legs of the horse that holds the saddle on.
  Panels, Lining,  or Padding:  Cushioning on the underside of the saddle.
  In addition to the above basic components, some saddles also include:
  Surcingle: A long strap that goes all the way around the horse's barrel. Depending on purpose, may be used by itself, placed over a pad or blanket only, or placed over a saddle (often in addition to a girth) to help hold it on.
  Monkey grip or less commonly Jug handle: a handle that may be attached to the front of European saddles or on the right side of Australian stock saddle.  A rider may use it to help maintain their seat or to assist in mounting.
  Horn: knob-like appendage attached to the pommel or swells, most commonly associated with the modern western saddle, but seen on some saddle designs in other cultures.
  knee rolls:  Seen on some English saddles , extra padding on the front of the flaps to help stabilize the rider's leg.  Sometimes thigh rolls are also added to the back of the flap.
caption: The tree of a western saddle
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