Saddle

The earliest known saddle-like tools were fringed cloths or pads used by Assyrian cavalry around 700 BC.

The “saddle” had padding as well as protection for a rider of the horse. This is basically the supportive structure that makes it secure with the animal’s back.

Purpose: The main purpose of a saddle is security, support, and control over the horse. There are two basic types of saddles used in the western world today for horse riding. English saddle and Stock saddle.

After 1902, this saddle was called a UP (Universal Pattern) and would have been used in the First World War. A metal arch forming the pommel (the raised front of the saddle) is screwed onto a wooden frame which is the tree of the saddle.

The Universal Pattern saddle was developed over many years by top military horsemen, veterinarians, saddlers and tree makers. It was designed to be repaired in the field with a “screwdriver and a piece of string” and was proven to fit nine out of ten horses. Hundreds of thousands of these were made before and during the Great War.

An average saddle weighs 31 lbs. The total weight with an average man would have been about 180 – 200 lbs.

Saddle - image1This saddle sample is in the CSS Museum.

CSS Virtual Museum
Feedback Form

Before you leave, please take a moment to share your feedback on the CSS Virtual Museum.

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop