| At around 700-800 BC there is evidence that the | | | | horses and riders alike incorporating the best in |
| earliest predecessor to the modern saddle was in use | | | | quality, fit and design. Knee rolls, saddle flaps, padding, |
| consisting of a simple cloth and surcingle fastening. | | | | tree width, and comfort can all be altered to suit |
| From this their designs evolved over time, breast | | | | both horse and rider. |
| girths and girths in 300 BC increased rider security, | | | | Bridles are all based around the same design, the |
| the introduction of the solid "tree" at around 200 BC | | | | headpiece attaches to the cheek pieces which in turn |
| that significantly raised the rider off the horse's back | | | | hold the bit in the horse's mouth and the reins attach |
| increased the amount of time horses could be ridden | | | | to the bit enabling the rider to have control of the |
| for, the introduction of the first stirrup like piece of | | | | horse's head. There are various different designs that |
| saddlery, which happened sometime in the second | | | | suit different riding uses, and additional pieces of |
| century BC, all contributed to the evolution of saddles | | | | individual bridle parts that can be added to aid the |
| and the designs we ride in today. | | | | rider in their control of the horse. Nosebands, |
| There is a piece of saddlery to suit almost any | | | | different bits and the use of flash attachments, |
| modern rider or horses needs. Saddles are designed | | | | martingales, and other training aids like the side reins, |
| with specific purposes in mind, comfort and suitability | | | | draw reins, chambon and pessoa will all assist the |
| to the discipline they are to be used in e.g. dressage, | | | | rider in their training and progression when working |
| eventing, show jumping, racing, endurance and side | | | | with their horse. |
| saddle. Saddles can be tailor made to fit individual | | | | |