Stirrup Irons

The Changing World of Saddlery

In the past saddles were handcrafted out of the finest materials and decorated with great flair. The leather was tanned, dyed, rubbed and polished until it gleamed. The new world of saddlery is less about aesthetics and more about functionality.

The saddle has been around since the dawn of the Iron Age when man finally began to realize that any extended period of time in the saddle was too uncomfortable to bear without some aid. Ironically prior to around 700 BCE man fought battles bareback. Imagine the challenge of the great ancient armies charging into one another with weapons and no leverage. Once invented the saddle has been an invaluable tool for the comfort of horseback riders.

As the saddle evolved over time they became more and more decorative and elaborate and more and more costly. As it became apparent that a good saddle was essential to successful riding and a healthy horse everyone adopted their use. The addition of the stirrup made all the difference as anyone who has ever ridden bareback can attest to. It is quite a challenge to ride without the aided balance that comes from having stirrups.

The main material used for saddlery for centuries was predominantly leather. These leather saddles were as simple as possible for the poor or working class or as elaborate as your wealth would allow. Saddles became another way to advertise your social status. The same way a shiny new German sports car would initiate envy in your neighbors if you brought one home today. Just like a man is often judged by his clothing, a horse’s esteem in the eyes of others can be increased with good packaging. Saddles through out history were often decorated in real gold and silver and covered in jewels for royalty. The working man has always been able to procure a simple saddle for his horse and just has to accept the fact that the cost must be borne while taking some comfort in knowing that at least it is the most costly item on your tack list.

Currently saddles can be made out of synthetic material that is so amazingly lightweight it is almost impossible to resist. This material makes it so much easier especially for female riders and children who may lack the upper body strength to drag a heavy leather saddle around and heave it over their heads onto the back of the horse. If you have never seen or used on of these saddles before when you go to pick it up you may wind up in the dirt on your backside. Sauntering up to it and giving it the good heave ho needed to hoist a heavy saddle you could easily overcompensate and lose your balance. At which point of course you will swear that a horse can laugh!

About the Author

Annaghmore Saddlery was established in 1981 and has been providing an extensive array of equine products to horse and pony owners for over 25 years. They are members of The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) and are the leading stockist of fine saddlery and country wear in Northern Ireland. For more information, visit http://www.WalkOnTrotOn.com.

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