The Parts of an English Saddle

The Saddle Tree is the basis of the saddle. There are two design currently in use - rigid and spring. English saddles are usually built on a spring saddle tree. To make a spring tree thin plywood is used to provide the basic shape. This is then covered with fibreglass for strength. Steel strips under the saddle running from the front to the back put the 'spring'into the saddle. Steel plates are fastened under the tree to provide extra reinforcement.
Not all saddles have a tree. Another type of saddle, which is much less rigid than a saddle with a tree, is the Treeless Saddle. In this type sof saddle support for the rider is provided by a pommel and cantle moulded from fibreglass instead of a tree.

The Pommel is in the front of the saddle and is elevated to skim over the horse's withers.

The Cantle is the rise at the back of the seat.

The Seat is the middle part of the saddle, between the pommel and cantle. This is where the rider sits.

Stirrup Leathers are straps that fasten underneath the saddle skirt. They are made of leather or webbing and are adjustable to fit the length of the rider's leg and the type of riding being done. On an English saddle the stirrup leathers are fastened to horizontal, 2 piece bars attached permanently to the saddle. These bars consist of the bar to hold the stirrup and a movable catch to secure the stirrup and to release it if the rider falls from the horse.

The Stirrup Irons are the D shaped pieces of metal that hang from the stirrup leathers to provide support for the rider's feet.

The Flap is a flap made from leather that is positioned above the girth straps and buckles so that they don't rub the rider's legs.

The Girth Straps are poditioned under the flap and are short leather (or sometimes webbing) straps with buckles for attaching the girth to the saddle

The Knee Roll helps to give grip and padding under rider's knees

The Outer Panels are pads of felt, wool or plastic foam covered leather attached to the saddle underneath the skirt. They are there to protect the horse's back and to distribute the weight of the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back.

The Keeper is not always present but is a handy piece of leather strapping used to hold the end of the stirrup leather can be threaded to stop it flapping about.

The Gullet is the groove that runs from front to back down the middle of the underside of the saddle.

The Skirt is the flap of leather covering the stirrups.

D-Rings are often found attached to a saddle for use in hanging extra equipment.

More articles from Used Saddles and Bridles:

The Different Saddle Types

Cleaning and Taking Care of your Saddle

The Parts of a Bridle

Types of Horse Bits

The Parts of a Western Saddle

Western Saddles and Bridles |

Australian Saddles |

English Saddles and Bridles |

Endurance and Trail Saddles |

Halters & Leads |