Pony Saddles – The Parts of the Saddle or How to Tell Your Gullet From Your Cantle
The Saddle Tree is the foundation of the saddle and will be either of 2 types – rigid or spring. A spring tree is usually used in English saddles, and a rigid tree in Western saddles. For spring trees the shape is created from a base constructed from thin plywood, layered over with fibreglass for strength. Steel strips placed beneath the saddle from front to back give the spring. A rigid tree is made from either wood wrapped with leather, or pressure molded fibreglass and wood shavings. Additional strength is provided by steel plates on the underside of the saddle.
Another type of saddle is the Treeless Saddle in which the support is provided by a fibreglass pommel and cantle instead of a tree.
The Pommel is the front part of the saddle that rises to skim over the pony’s withers.
The Cantle is the part that rises at the back of the seat.
The Seat is the part of the saddle where the rider sits and is found between the pommel and cantle.
The Stirrup Leathers hold the stirrups. They are usually leather straps (or they may be made from webbing) and are fastened to horizontal bars placed beneath the skirt. These bars are made in two pieces ,a bar and a movable catch to secure the stirrup leather and to release it should the rider fall from the pony.
The Stirrup Irons or stirrups hang from the stirrup leathers and support the rider’s feet.
The Flap provides protection between the rider’s legs and the girth buckles. It is made from leather and is found covering the girth strap.
The Girth Straps hold the buckles which fasten the girth to the saddle and are usually made from either webbing or leather.
The Knee Roll supports the rider’s knee with extra padding.
The Outer Panels are part of the saddle padding and are found underneath the skirt. They are there to help spread the rider’s weight over the pony’s back and are made from leather with felt or wool padding.
The Keeper holds the end of the stirrup leather to stop it flapping about.
The Gullet is a groove running from front to back underneath the saddle.
The Skirt is the large leather flap on either side of the saddle.
D-Rings are useful on a saddle as they provide a means of hanging essential equipment from the saddle.
About the Author
Visit us for more articles on pony saddles and how to take care of your pony saddle.
Cavallo Total Comfort System Horse Saddle Pads