Parts of a saddle

This page shows the parts of a saddle with a video tutorial.

A saddle is a supportive structure
for a rider,
fastened to an horse's back
by a girth.

The saddle is based on the tree.
Bands of webbing are
stretched along the tree.

The tree is the framework for the seat
and is also where
the stirrup bars are attached.

The saddle is made up of many different parts.

This video show the saddle parts of an
English horse saddle.

Parts of a English saddle

Parts of a English saddle
• The pommel is the front of the saddle and is just above the withers on a horse.
• The waist is the narrowest part of the saddle.
• The seat is the part where the rider sits.
• The cantle is at the back of the saddle.
• The skirt is the flap on the side of the saddle which covers the stirrup bars.
• The strirrup bar is either open ended or has a latch. This is to allow the stirrup leather to slip off easily if a rider may have fallen to prevent the rider from being dragged if their foot is caught in the stirrup.
• A stirrup leather is attached to the stirrup bar
.
• The stirrup iron and stirrup tread is where the rider would place their foot.
• The stirrup loop is where you can place the end of the stirrup leather to hold it in place.
• The dee ring is for extra attachments that you want to clip onto the saddle.
• The saddle flaps cover the side panels and girth straps.
• The girth straps is where the girth is attached. There are a number of holes to attch the girth to.
• The buckle guard is attached to the girth straps and this is to protect the saddle flap from any markings or damage from the girth buckles.
• The gullet is underneath the saddle down the centre.
• The lining of panels is the part resting on the horses back.
• The panels are on the side of the saddle and rest against the side of the horse.

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