Saddles

by Julia
 * The saddle**

horse saddle + history who invented the horse saddle? when was the horse saddle invented? where was the horse saddle invented? horse saddle + why horse saddle + origin
 * Research String:**


 * Who invented it?**

The Early History of the Saddle
(Consider the word “saddle” to refer to a seat or pad used to support the rider on an animal, chiefly a horse.) Exactly when man domesticated the riding horse is questionable. Which of the many human societies first utilized the horse as a mount is debatable. But the fact progress went from a walk to a gallop once man and horse became partners is undeniable. However, we know the Chinese, Assyrians and Persians were skilled riders 3,000 years before Christ. Notwithstanding that Brahmans were possibly the first "riders," there is no doubt the Chinese were the first real "horsemen." The Chinese were harnessing the horse about 4,000 BC. There is great evidence to support the idea the Chinese used the horse earlier, to a greater extent and in more ways than did any other civilization. The Chinese were involved in selective breeding and selective conformation (having several different kinds of horses for different jobs) as early as 1,000 years BC

**(**http://saddlezone.com/html-top/saddle_history.htm**)**


 * What is it?**

A **saddle** is a supportive structure for a rider or other load, fastened to an animal's back by a [|girth]. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a [|horse], but specialized saddles have been created for [|camels] and other creatures. The earliest saddles were simple pads attached with a [|surcingle] seen by 800 BC, with the saddle tree coming into use circa 200 BC, and paired stirrups by 302 AD. Saddles in the styles seen today date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, modern saddle comes in a wide variety of styles, each designed for a specific [|equestrianism] discipline, and require careful fit to both the rider and the horse. Proper saddle care can extend the useful life of a saddle, often for decades.


 * (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle)**


 * Why was it invented?**


 * I think it was invented because the saddle served as padding, because horse riding can be bumpy.**
 * (Vivian)**


 * When was it invented?**

The earliest saddles were simple pads attached with a [|surcingle] seen by 800 BC, with the saddle tree coming into use circa 200 BC, and paired stirrups by 302 AD.


 * (**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle**)**


 * Where was it invented?**


 * How has it changed over time?**


 * How is it still used today?**