Parts of the saddle

The saddle has evolved to be a complicated article of equipment, as well as the most expensive item of tack.  Look at the pictures below and you will see the engineering that goes into it!  For how the saddle has evolved read Saddle History.

Most hobby owners of horses, or people who ride at riding schools will be familiar with the commonest saddle of them all, the general purpose saddle.

This saddle is suited for elementary stages of almost every discipline.  It is possible to jump, do dressage or cross country using this saddle unless you are going to specialise in any particular discipline or enter serious competition.