It’s important for all horsemen and horse-women to know and understand how their saddles work. Part of this understanding comes from knowing about the design and the parts of the saddle.
Pommel - It rises above the horse’s withers, and it slopes upward, to properly position the rider in the seat.Seat - This part is wider than the pommel, and it is often cushioned with foaming to make it more comfortable.
Stirrup Leathers - attach to the seat and provide a strap with which to attach stirrups to the saddle. Stirrups - Are the metal attachment that rider’s put their feet into
Grab Strap and Croup Strap - A grab strap is a small, leather strap that goes from one side of the pommel to the other.Girth - attached around the horse’s belly with a girth.
As you can see, there are many parts to a saddle! It’s more than a leather seat you use when riding. Saddles are important for both a horse and the rider’s comfort and safety.