| Saddles are the seat for the rider that sits on the | | | | height of this raise depends on the style of saddle. |
| horses back. As with any horse riding equipment it is | | | | Saddle Flaps - The primary flap of leather that the |
| absolutely vital that the saddle fits correctly. An ill | | | | rider's leg sits against. It covers the billets (and girth |
| fitting saddle will cause many problems, not only | | | | buckles, depending on the saddle). |
| physically for the horse but will also affect the way | | | | Knee Rolls - The raised part of the saddle that sits in |
| the horse moves and often how the horse behaves. | | | | front of/under the rider's knee. They vary greatly in |
| Ill fitting saddles contribute towards creating unsafe | | | | size and shape depending on the style of saddle such |
| riding situations as horses will try to evade the pain | | | | as leather saddle. |
| caused by them. | | | | Skirt - Small flap of leather, attached to the pommel |
| Saddles are a main point of contact between rider | | | | that covers the T-bar where the stirrup leathers are |
| and horse when giving aids to the horse. Due to this | | | | attached to the saddle. |
| it can greatly assist or hinder the riding experience | | | | Stirrup Leathers and Stirrups - The leather straps |
| depending on the fit, suitability and comfort for both | | | | that hang down either side of the saddle with stirrups |
| horse and rider. | | | | hanging from them. They are attached to the saddle |
| Parts of a horse saddle | | | | by the T-bars under the skirt. The rider's foot sits in |
| From beginner to professional it is important to know | | | | the stirrups, resting on them on the balls of the |
| the parts of the equestrian saddle and understand | | | | rider's feet for safety. |
| the terminology used when talking about them. Even | | | | Billets - On the inside of the saddle flaps are 3 straps |
| a small amount of knowledge can help, for example | | | | of leather that hang down. These are used for girth |
| learning how to mount and dismount or even when | | | | attachment. Usually the first and third straps are used |
| performing advanced dressage movements. | | | | as these are separately attached to the saddle. If |
| The Pommel - The highest point of most English | | | | one was to snap the other would remain attached. |
| saddles, it sits above the horses withers. | | | | By using the first and third it also spreads the |
| The Seat - The part of the saddle where the rider | | | | pressure of attachment over a wider area. |
| sits. It is the lowest point of the saddle creating a | | | | Girth - Not part of the saddle, but attached to |
| lower, more secure centre of gravity. | | | | opposing sides of the saddle using the billets, holding |
| The Cantle - The raised rear point of the saddle. The | | | | the saddle on the horses back. |