BACKGROUND

Structural analysis of two of the main groups of objects humans use to ease the ride on horseback.

Traditional saddle with saddle tree

The traditional riding saddle consists of a variety of different components. The main purpose of a saddle is to stabilize the rider's position on the horse's back and distribute the rider's weight evenly.

Components

  • Saddle tree & chamber: The core that determines the shape.

  • Front pommel & rear pommel (cantle): Define the seat area.

  • Saddle panels (cushions): Rest on the horse's back.

  • Seat area: Area for the rider.

  • Saddle flap & sweat flap: Side leather parts.

  • Knee roll: Support the rider's leg.

  • Stirrup bar: Holder for stirrup straps.

  • Girth straps: For attaching the saddle girth.

Advantages

  • Distributes riders weight and the pressure of the stirrups evenly

  • Shapes the rider's seat and can improve the application of aids

Disadvantages

  • Solid base means that the rider sits far away from the horse, which makes it difficult to feel many of its movements

  • The shape of the horse's back changes depending on whether the torso is raised straight or not. This has an impact on the shape of the saddle position. A saddle that has been tailored to the horse while it is standing may not fit during active work.

  • The rigid saddle tree is often unable to accommodate this change.

Treeless saddle, riding pad

The riding pad is a modern interpretation of an old idea. Riding pads are pads for horses that do not require a saddle tree. Historically, people have been using simple blankets, skins or felt pads for riding for thousands of years. The classic saddle with a fixed tree only became widespread later on, in order to distribute weight better and make longer rides more comfortable. Riding pads are light, flexible and allow close contact with the horse. The current trend is mainly influenced by recreational riding, natural horsemanship and minimalism.

Components

  • Saddle panels (cushions): Rest on the horse's back.

  • Seat area: Area for the rider.

  • Saddle flap & sweat flap: Side leather parts.

  • Knee roll: Support the rider's leg. (optinal in many riding pads)

  • Stirrup bar: Holder for stirrup straps. (optional in many riding pads)

  • Girth straps: For attaching the saddle girth.

Advantages

  • Allows for close contact. You can feel the movements of the horse better

  • Can improve the application of aids

  • Lightweight constructions do not add any significant extra weight

Disadvantages

  • Soft base means that the horse feels the rider more. Sensitive horses might not like the application of punctual pressure

  • in some cases poor distribution of the riders weight.

  • Riders might struggle to keep their balance and maintain a solid sitting position with the less supportive sitting areas of many riding pads or treeless saddles.