Parts of the saddle and why we need to know about them

​The parts of a saddle that all D* riders need to know are
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Girth
Stirrups
Pommel
Stirrup leathers
Seat
Cantle
Waist
Gullet
Stirrup Bar
Sweat Flap

Can you name these parts correctly?
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Most are labelled on the diagram, including some other parts that are useful to know such as 

Channel
Panels
Gussets
Skirt
D rings
Nail heads
Stirrup leather keepers
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Click here for a link to an unlabeled version of the above diagram which makes a great activity sheet for pony club and riding school camps. 

Other parts that we believe are also important for riders to know are
Saddle tree (not visible unless the saddle is opened)
The twist of the saddle which is the area between the rider's upper thighs and
Boot or sweat guards (as these can become worn or may be added to saddles if they start to wear in the area when the rider's boots may rub on the bottom of the saddle flaps).

And finally some concepts that are important for riders to understand are
Gullet variations – shape, length, angle, position
Different types of girth points – long or short, point or behind point, self adjusting, balance strap
Tree shapes and materials
Materials used to fill panels
 
Stay tuned – we will be discussing these in detail in our next post/blog as well as at the talks at the VH Saddlery Pony Club WA State Dressage Championships. 

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