Wait wait wait, this isn't a TV series?! Holy cow man, the quality is through the roof!!! Literally every aspect of the show is done so well I thought this was just a BBC series ripped to UA-cam! Please keep up this incredible work!!
The guy is an enormously talented individual who made his fortune making computer games and producing movies. He’s worth 10’s of millions of dollars. This is the kind of hobby one can have after succeeding spectacularly and whose income provides the necessary leisure time to pursue true passion. I’m grateful the universe is constructed in such a way to enable passion, talent and resources to come together to make this series happen.
@@schreckpmc wait seriously?! Thats so awesome, I was drawn to this channel randomly because I love to watch historical stuff, but I instantly loved it because of his charisma and down to earth attitude, along with passion and respect (for the episodes with other experts in the field) I just assumed he was someone seriously passionate about this who decided to maybe start a YT channel and it took off, with enough viewership to fund the next, sort of thing. Wow, even more impressed!
@@h0rriphic TRUTH!! My people were involved with horseracing, my cousins did dressage, and I know even owning a tiny pony as a *pet* is a money hole, lol! By "poor" I mean like he seems humble, like the dude who gets paid to muck out the stalls, but he obviously enjoys taking care of his animals. He said it keeps him in shape, and tunes his mental health, as well. Great guy! He kinda makes me want to be a nicer person.
I used to have a Warlander (Friesian x Andalusian) that I showed in heritage tack. He had a little Lusitano blood so I had a Portuguesa saddle and accoutrements (crupper, breastplate, etc). One day I was working him in the Portuguesa tack and a little girl walking by the corral said, “That looks like a king’s saddle!” I smiled and told her she wasn’t far wrong.
I would have to say American western saddles seem like a cross between the medieval war saddle and that Spanish saddle. When I had the chance to pick up an English saddle, it didn't weigh nearly as much as a western saddle, either.
@@chantelbarcomb1766 Yes. With the posture and your position, there is a lot of difference that you'll feel, especially if you're in the saddle for a long time. You use different different muscle groups, just like you use different ones when you ride bareback.
I would agree. As he says in the video, English saddles are great for jumping, for going fast, for not being in direct contact with the horse. Spanish riding, I suspect, often has roots in the sorts of riding done to herd cattle, or for mountainous terrain which would involve a good bit of scrambling on the part of the horse - it seems like it would allow for the rider to keep balance much better without risking the horse should a fall be inevitable. And Western saddles are very much constructed for riding herd on cattle - intractable beasts that Longhorns are, that also means a form of combat at times! Western saddles are built to allow for use of the rope (that's a big part of the function of the pommel) and as with the Spanish saddle, the back part reinforces and deepens the seat, allowing the rider to stay on and stay balanced even when the horse is almost sitting on his haunches, as sometimes happens when attempting to lasso and immobilize a cow or a wild horse. I think the medieval saddle is just as well suited to its purposes as any modern saddle, and I think we learn a LOT about just what fighting was like, by looking at it. Imagine jousting, even in a Western saddle - you'd be likely to fall right off the back of the horse if you took a solid blow to the chest, but the medieval saddle cushions you against that, gives you something to brace your back against, and so only the most powerful blow is going to take you down. Of course this also means you might be risking broken bones! And I think that the construction of the saddle made it somewhat more comfortable for the horse to have an armored pair of legs banging against its sides all day - something that isn't as much of a concern for modern riders, no?
@@chantelbarcomb1766 I've heard of it described as you having to ride the horse between your legs and your hands. They are often in collected form, and you always want contact with their mouth. You sit more on your seat bones, then on your bum as in Western. The proper posture to have is a straight line running through you shoulder, hip, and ankle. Western...not so much. Hope that helps any questions! 😊😊 Have a good day!!
Gosh, I miss horse riding now. Did it only for a year back in my teens, but I loved it. Still do it on holiday when I get the chance. Loved the riding through the forests and mountains, even in a group. Loved your interaction with Gossamer after her first experience with gunfire, really gentle. Such a lovely horse.
I am southern Brazilian, so i grew up being familiar with the kind that we have here, its closer to the Spanish style, but you keep your legs straight to ride, like a medieval saddle, it also takes a lot of extra bits and pieces to properly use, its never used just as the saddle. First come some blanket-ish parts to spread the weight on the horse more effectively, cushion the horse and reduce friction, then comes the saddle itself, lastly it has some sheep furs to cushion the rider. I am told that it evolved like that because of 2 reasons, wood was scarce in the pampas and it was hard for the "tropeiro" (i think the word translates into "trooper"), the guy who moves cattle long distances between settlements, to find a proper bed to sleep on, so he would use the furs that cushioned the saddle to make a makeshift bed to sleep on. See the Gaucho saddle for more context.
Wow that is so interesting! I love the leg cut away for communication with the horse and the extra support at the back! Fascinating. I want one now haha
As a classical/academic dressage rider, who mostly uses Spanish and Portuguese saddles, I second your opinion on the Spanish saddle. The Portuguese saddles have an even higher pommel and cantle, as they are used in mounted bullfights in Portugal, so they do give you an incredibly safe seat, making it virtually impossible to fall off. Thats especially handy when learning to canter, but also really dangerous when you fall off. However, you also don´t falsify your seat, like in an English saddle, as you are forced to really sit straight, with straight legs, which helps with attaining a correct posture. I wouldn´t trade riding in Iberian saddles for anything anymore, especially since having ridden "English" for most of my life. I love it, especially paired with a vaguely medieval looking blouse, Andalusian riding boots and brown breeches, which vaguely give off epic vibes. Add some epic music to my riding lesson and I am the happiest person. :D :D
This is almost a bit like "the evolution of the saddle" in a video. Having ridden western, spanish, english, and australian, I'm pretty fascinated with this. Sadly, I'm an american and I'm ever-so attached to my western riding. It's just so nice to have so much length in the leg and to be able to roll back against your cantle when you're just walking across way too much trail.
This series is great honestly, I think you deserve a lot more viewers. I am confident that your channel will become more popular in the future. Keep it up!
What you described about "falling over" because of the saddle actually happened to me once. I was trying a saddle from a para-dressage rider which had very high knee rolls in front and the same thing behind the leg.The horse spooked and turned on his haunches, the saddle prevented me from falling off but the horse didn't expect that and so we fell over sideways together. No one was injured but I guess that would not have happened with a "normal" saddle, I would just have fallen off....
It's the Mcclellan saddle (I just learned) and they were used in Rhodesia and South Africa too as well as on my Granddad's farm in Namibia. I guess the missing bits made them far lighter than normal saddles. I never used one though.
I have only just found this channel but I am very much enjoying it. I enjoy your attention to detail and your passion for what you are talking about. Also the fact that it seems that it is not scripted in anyway. Can't wait to watch more keep it up 😁😁
Thank you for the informative video on the difference between modern and medieval saddles. I enjoy watching your videos and always learn something new.
The western saddle was developed in Mexico after the Spanish crown allowed mestizos and natives to ride horses. They had certain conditions though. They couldn't use anything that would identify them as upper class Spaniards. Including their saddles, tack, and riding apparel. This however led to many innovations which produced a saddle, gear, and riding equipment better suited for the openness of the new world and its large farel herds of cattle, donkeys and horses. The Spanish now even admit that the Mexican style of ranching perfected that which originated in Spain. The Mexican vaquero style of working and riding has been adopted all around the world. Much love and peace from Texas!
Thank you for sharing. Always fascinated by the history of riding. The different saddles allowed for an evolution of riding styles. I recall reading about a la brida and a la gineta and how saddles influenced rider position over time.
Really enjoyed this video, you explain things so well. I think one heck of a lot of us would have had more interest in history if we'd had a teacher who loved his or her subject as much as you clearly do. You make history and the details sing instead of droning on, what a blessing!
These videos are amazing, I love the depth Jason goes in to on topics that some others would simply dismiss. He's such a wealth of information on all of the little details that I want to know that are super hard to find.
@@ModernKnight The quality of these videos is just as amazing as the information they contain. Everyone that works on these videos deserves heaps of praise! From Jason right down to all the editors, directors, planners, and everyone behind the scenes. And certainly all the makers of these beautiful pieces of arms and armor and clothing. And of course, Warlord, Gossamer, Ghost and all of the horses deserve only the highest praises!
Nothing much beats the squeak of a leather saddle. Combine it with a horse's breathing and hoof beats and you have instant relaxation. Sends me right to my happy place XD
Very informative, thank you. It makes me wonder, if there were very different kinds of medieval saddles for different purposes than war. Did they also have specialized jumping saddles (for racing, for hunting), specialized saddles for transportation or for agricultural purposes? Did people of lower status use something that was less similar to a war saddle and looking more modern? Or was "the medieval saddle" more or less one one thing that always resembled the one you presented here?
I believe the Spnish/Mexicans actually created most of "cowboy culture". When Anglo-German settlers came to the area to start cattle herding, they adopted most of the practices that the Mexican cowboys were already using.
Fascinating! The traditional Camargue saddles seem very close to the medieval style, "clamping" the rider into the saddle. I ride my own Iberian stallion in a Spanish dressage saddle and was amazed how it changes the riding style to what seems a more subtle approach. Btw, "Sandro" sticks to the ground like a caterpillar, though quite happy to jump fences when at liberty
I agree with you about the 2 saddles. I have a western saddle and it is much easier to stay on then an English one.. It is much more padded for the horse the the rider. Love your videos, and information. Thank you!❤️🏇🏼🌹🐎🍖🏁🇬🇧🇺🇸🚩
If heard that quite a few times now and I have ridden in different english saddles and a whole lot of western saddles but I don't really agree 😅. I get the point when we are talking about jumping saddles. I learnt to ride in those so I am used to them and have a good seat in them but yes, you fall out of them quicker. but if you compare a western saddle to a dressage saddle ...then I'd clearly say you stay on better in a dressage saddle because dressage saddles most of the time have a lot deeper seat and you can't really slide to the side. but I mean I still think western saddles are uncomfortable 🤷🏼♀️ and it probably makes a huge difference to what you are used to and what you think is comfortable...
The western working saddle of us American cowboys has a fair amount in common with the medieval saddle. The saddle horn has a raised front part for standing in the saddle and leaning forward and a fair number have deep rear cups. Riding position is probably closer as it is assumed you will need to stand in the stirrups and apply force with your body (though probably with a rope rather than a lance).
The American or Western saddle is essentially a Spanish saddle that has been modified to work cattle. To do so you need a saddle that is going to help you stay on the horse even when it is quickly changing directions to cut off a cow, and you also need a sturdy horn to tie off your lariat so that when you rope a cow it doesn't drag you off the horse. These days most modern Western saddles are built more for pleasure riding than working cattle, but all of the basic elements are still there. The seat has gotten a bit roomier and more comfortable, but as a result it's also easier to fall out of, and the horn has shrunken down to the point that it's primarily there to be a convenient handle for the rider to hold onto and steady himself rather than being a sturdy tie-off point for one's lariat when roping. And it does present a bit of danger similar to the front of the Medieval saddle. I've had the displeasure of having a horse go down and roll over me pressing the horn into my gut. It hurt, a lot. I ended up with a deep red & purple bruise that lasted for a couple of weeks, though thankfully there were no major injuries for me or the horse. Western saddles also tend to have a lot of tie-off points for gear, things like saddle-bags, pommel-bags, a bedroll, a slicker, a rifle scabbard, and even a rope are commonly carried on one's horse even today when riding in the backcountry...which is something America has a lot of, and horses are a great way to explore it!
You might find this interesting. I built my Western saddle (pretty much modified a kit from Tandy Leather) and realized something: In addition to having all those tie-off points and a proper substantial horn, a real basic Old West saddle would have been all leather, rawhide and wood, with very little metalwork or sewing. I worked it out at one bolt for the horn, one each to assemble the bent-wood stirrups (no threading or nuts required if peened); eight rings at about 2" diameter that could be iron, steel, brass, or bronze for a full double rig, two per cinch/girth and four for the saddle rigging; and maybe a few tacks to form the rawhide cover to the tree. Every assembly point for the leather skirts and coverings would have been laced through conchos, not screwed, and the bights of the laces would have been up to a couple feet long-- not just to tie things, but for emergency repairs. Rings were laced to the rigging and stirrup leathers laced rather than buckled. The cinches were knotted as well, not buckled. The truly skilled labor for this was all involved with carving and covering the tree, since the rawhide cover can shrink and affect the shape of the wood as it dries. Conquistador saddles also had a provision for a common problem for horses on campaign: the bars had padding underneath, and a slit in the leather made it possible for the rider to stuff or remove hay or horsehair or whatever to keep the saddle fitted as the horse lost condition or gained weight. I wish I could remember where I saw that magazine article. It must have been such a problem for mounted men-at-arms throughout the Middle Ages, especially the poorer ones not using the sort of saddle in this video.
Brilliant!! Fascinating! I ride side saddle and they too, can go from being the securist thing ever, to a death trap. I would love to see a side saddle from the middle ages if you have one. Finally, your videos are better than the crap they put on the television.
I wonder if you have every come across any information on a medieval pannier saddle during your studies? It would be beyond fabulous if you could make an episode about pannier saddles, although I appreciate this may be outside your usual area. I've found it very difficult to learn much about them. Thanks for all your marvellous films, always cheers me up to watch a few. - Beep xx
I use the UP British cavalry saddle when I ride and love it. It has a deep seat and is very forgiving to all sorts of leg position, from the BHS taught position to the old yeoman farmer 'armchair' style
Fascinating! Thank you! I've ridden in English, Western, McClellan and Australian saddles and though I prefer the Aussie these days (I'm older and not very strong so the support and safety of it is really great) the saddle that's best is the one designed for the job. You wouldn't want to jump in that medieval saddle but an English saddle is perfect for jumping, just like working cattle is best from a Western saddle (or the South American equivalent)- and of course jousting might be tricky and dangerous in anything but the medieval one. Right tool for the job...
... I do like the medieval's cutaway inner cheek section, enabling a more upright/straight legged position but more importantly, enabling a much closer contact with the horses flank giving you a less 'bowed leg' appearance and more control... brilliant!
I have a McBride harness saddle that my great-great-grandfather bought new in 1853, and called a harness saddle because it was originally created for a single rider going post on the big 10 to 16 horse teams drawing lumber wagons which had no seat on the wagon for the driver. The rider sat one horse on either the first or middle team and directed with both vocal and reined commands. The saddle is very light, has no padding, and has large brass rings through which the traces passed. It has a A-fork pommel and low cantle, and the skirting is rounded in the front and squared in the back. I use a breast collar and sometimes a butt strap when in very hilly terrain. All in all it is a very comfortable saddle for myself and the horse or mule.
Bottomline, the Medieval Saddle is a fighting platform. The English saddle is acrobatic, a Spaniard's is for Grand Touring the estate, and the Cowboy's is an equine utility belt.
Absolutely fascinating. So basically, a medieval saddle like yours pushes the rider's center of gravity more forwards. So we can say that the weight of the rider is distributed over a smaller/shorter surface. Maybe it would be possible to make a saddle shorter in general with this kind of seat? In our modern times, people often have the problem to match themselves (being a bit big) to their short-backed horses (such as Iberian types like Andalusians or Friesians). Myself, I often experienced that problem, thus using a Spanish Mixta saddle, a California Oldtimer Western saddle and in the very end a custom-made Spanish saddle. It was just not possible for us to use a standard English saddle, as these always pressed a tad in my horse's livers and he expressed that. So I used an English dressage saddle with French cushions, which also make a saddle a tad shorter. So no, we never did an awful lot of jumping, as all of these saddles were not made for this. I might actually have tried a medieval saddle, but at time they were not available at all. I am still very interested in these aspects, as I originally wanted to became a saddlemaker, so I still suck in every piece of information I can.
A, so I got that wrong. I never sat in such a saddle (only know them from UA-cam videos). When I look at these (you and other gentlemen using this saddle), I can see it. Still, maybe this could solve some of our modern day problems. Though the rider would really have to be willing to break with several aspects of modern riding. Interestingly enough, an old-style American Oldtimer saddle also has no seat padding at all. And they are quite comfortable to use. Also quite short type pf saddle, as these were made for the short-backed Spanish horses which were brought along by the Spanish conquerers to America.
These are quite good . www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JM-SADDLE-PORTUGUESE/123399030880?hash=item1cbb27c860:m:megeiFYJ-7twtHIJENeWM4g:rk:3:pf:0 also if you want a shorter saddle - go for a smaller size. I have for many years used 15." and 15,5" saddles because they fit a lot better. i just sold my black academic spanish saddle bacause it was to big for my new horse.. it looked like the one on the picture ( the link) but was black/back and brass..and was called marjomar saddle. You can get them from spain and germany. really good to ride in :) i guess i will try to get another, smaller for the new horse. sadly my beautiful gray ( now white to old age) Danish Varmblood passed away from cancer 21 years old.
Mr. Kingsley the Spanish saddle is almost like that of the western saddle. The back part of the Spanish saddle is like that of the western saddle. And the front part of a western saddle has a knob for holding on to and holding the rope.
My Australian Stock saddle was a bit weird in term of the poleys at the front and high back like a western saddle. Riding in kit on a UP saddle then the blanket roll on the front and then the roll on the back meant you were quite well supported. I always fancied a Portuguese saddle with the high back.
I always preferred the Australian stock saddle which I think looks a little like the modern Spanish saddle you showed. If I remember correctly we usually rode with straighter legs with it. On the farm in Namibia we also had, I guess, South African cavalry saddles - the Mcclellan saddle. I have just learned it was a US Cavalry saddle from the late 1800s. The saddle has quite a lot missing in the middle between the pommel and the seat. I never used the Mcclellan saddles as I had my English style saddle but much preferred the Australian stock saddle - far more comfortable and harder to fall off.
The McClellan saddle is attributed to General George McClellan, active during the American Civil War and the decade or so before. It's pretty much an unadorned tree covered in leather (originally in rawhide, but that is too sensitive to moisture) and, with its big slit down the middle, was designed to accommodate a horse on campaign whose condition would change over the course of a few weeks of rough forage and hard travel. The padding was all in the saddle blankets, and so very adjustable. It was not beloved by the cavalrymen, as there's no concession to human comfort, but I've ridden them and enjoyed it.
They were very different because you couldn’t really sit with both legs on either side of the horse if you had a dress on. So what they did was sit with both legs on one side. I think it’s called a sidesaddle but I’m not 100% sure.
They rode astride usually, or sideways behind the rider with both feet on a kind of platform. Women in the middle ages rode all the time if they were able to afford it.
PS, pleased to see that the 'cantle' isn't too high, did wonder how difficult it would be to get your leg over, especially dismounting (I don't have much spring)
11:03 Interesting comment about medieval landscapes. As there was no mechanised agriculture, I would expect there to be lots of small fields, hedgerows, dry-stone walls, ditches and uncanalised little streams...
Rode in Mongolia in the mid-90s. Their saddle is really nothing more than a brace for standing on the stirrups. Legs go straight down to stirrups very much like Aussie stirrups, making it simple to stand on while riding. Remember watching Mongols riding at a canter while standing on their stirrups. If you looked only at their heads there was almost no bobbing to it. A slight lean into the front board of the saddle was all. Looked graceful. A nightmare to sit in however, their saddle. My guide, a Mongolian, showed that he would shift from one bum to the other when trotting. Riding with a Mongol saddle requires strong quads to be comfortable.
Hi, firstly, excellent video as always. You specifically mentioned English saddles, what are the differences between them and other styles of saddle? The ones used in the continent for example. Also, how would a saddle which was specifically designed to be used in warfare differ from, for lack of a better word, a civilian saddle?
I can only speak about the use of terms in German, but we also call modern saddles that we use English saddles as well as we call the "normal" riding style English style to distinguish it from Western or Spanish style. So at least in German, English style just means the wide-spread riding style in the riding sport. I'm not quite firm in terms of history, but I think that's because the style developed in England before it was adopted elsewhere :)
I would like to start riding again, but have awful sciatica and back pain so the modern saddle won't work for me because of the alignment of the back required to use it properly. The medieval saddle would be perfect for me - I wonder if there is a lighter weight modern version of IT 🤔 (i don't know much about saddles) Edit - he has just mentioned the Spanish saddle that seems better for me 😄
I've been fortunate enough to learn how to ride both the Western and the English style saddles. If you read the historical literature and look at paintings from different eras, you can that the "Western saddle" is really nothing more than the Spanish saddle design's New World descendant. The Spanish conquistadors brought their saddles to the New World (a version similar to your medieval saddle in this video). Over the course of 300 years, as the Spanish settled into what is now northern Mexico and southwest US, the Spaniards in Mexico experimented with different features and designs. By the mid- to late-nineteenth century, the modern "Western saddle" had evolved. And you hit the nail right on the head about the pro's and con's of those saddles. I have never ridden a medieval saddle but the Spanish saddle struck me as one that would almost certainly feel like riding a modern Western saddle. My experience has been that Western saddles give one more support and are easier to learn to ride as a novice. Once you reach a certain level of proficiency and confidence, you can switch to an English style saddle without too much difficulty. That said riding an English style saddle is a little more challenging because there is less "stuff" there to keep you on the horse, and you have to work harder at having a good seat to keep you in place while moving at any gait. By the way, you should check out the design of Mongolian saddles. The basic saddle design you see in the Mongolian countryside today is really no different than what it was in the 12th century yet it is very similar to an English style saddle in certain respects.
I've owned a few medieval reproductions & to me they felt a lot like my modern saddles I use for roping & speed racking. They are designed to help hold you on. I wonder how much they got influence from medieval saddles for war when designing for modern competition?
I have had problems in my lower spine to the point i had to get a fusion between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. I used to ride Western style, and Ive been told by some that I can never ride again, but others have said I can, as long as i don't trot or gallop. Basically just walking and cantering and absolutely no jumping! The main problem is my back will no longer flex at that joint, and the motion and weight that would ordinarily be carried at that joint has to go somewhere else, and they fear that it would be shifted onto other back joints and lead to further injury and surgery. Watching you ride, and showing the different styles of saddle, I'm almost positive that there has to be a way that would work for me. I know you aren't a physician, but you know a heck of a lot about riding. My doctors don't even want me to walk on a trail pony, which I think is crazy. What do you think?
Can you find mediecal specialists who might be able to make suggestions? Mental welfare is an important thing. I know many people enjoy in-hand horse training and liberty work on the ground.
@@ModernKnight I guess i could consult with a sports medicine specialist. My regular physician says "No!" And my back doctor has never been on a horse and somehow doesn't understand i used to ride mules bareback as a child.
Gaited horses might be an avenue of inquiry. If you can find a doctor to work with... Perhaps contact with an equine therapy facility (people therapy with horses, I mean) could help you find professionals in the field
Very interesting indeed. I'm riding with an American Civil War reproduction McClellan saddle, which is a cross between a modern "western" US saddle and a traditional English saddle.
I am curious if you made some tests on the pressure points of the medieval saddle, especially the weight bearing past the last ribs. It is true that it is more expensive to get a saddle fitted, but the additional comfort you get for the horse, and increased cooperation is really quite marked. Thanks for all the information! :-) PS: your horses look great and you clearly have a good relationship with your horses. Good to see. :-)))
A few years ago, in America, Australian stock saddles were a fad. They reminded me somewhat of the saddle that you showed last in this video. They have a raised roll over the pommel that rises up and they’re designed with skirts in the back to spread the weight of the horse is his kidneys it’s a trap.
I personally prefer Spannish saddle over English one, because Spanish saddle seems to allow people to sit more comfortably and it also holds the rider more firmly and safely so as to prevent the rider from falling off as well as be thrown from the horseback.
Hello, greetings from México. I do research on the Mexican saddles. The Spanish introduced similar saddles like yours in Mexico in the 16th century. With time the natives in México modified the Spanish saddle and invented the saddle horn (to tie the rope) and all the roping techniques. The Mexican saddle is so versatile that it has been copied in many parts of the world. The "western" saddle is of Mexican origin, in fact, the western saddle used to be called the Mexican saddle as Mexican people have always lived in what is now the American southwest. You have a nice channel
Was the evolution from the medieval saddle to the English saddle linked to changing cavalry tactics? From heavily armoured lance charge to break infantry to the modern charge with swords and little or no armour and the inevitable melee requiring greater mobility in the saddle.
Do you think Warhorse has a favourite saddle? This might seem like a silly question (and I admit I don't really know a thing about horses) but I'm just wondering if a certain style of saddle is nicer for the horse underneath.
Rode with out a saddle for four years when I was a kid, the girth broke, and my parents were too cheap to replace it. Western saddles traditionally don't have much padding either. They are heavier than English hunt saddles. Walking horse saddles have a ridding position with straighter legs.
I always thought medieval art depicting men on horseback was poor artistry because the legs of the riders were always way too straight by my estimation. I just assumed artists didn't ride horses much and it was artistic license to depict straight legs. Looked really odd to me. Now I see people really did ride with a straighter leg back then! Interesting.
yes it makes for a much more secure seat and better weapons platform, but makes jumping and anything relating to getting up and out of the saddle much harder.
Ah ha...now I understand. I've only ever been on a steed a few times in my life and, for those times in the UK, I've acquired quite extensive bruising to the nether regions...completely absent when I was required to mount a steed to follow a mountainous trek in South America - a fab experience I would repeat in a heartbeat....It must have been a Spanish style saddle! Apparently, crooked-backed King Richard III rode with no problems (it has been demonstrated in reconstructions along the lines you do) - thus I assume, more comfort at possible cost to slight increase in danger?
I think medieval saddles are more dangerous in some ways, less so in others. that reconstruction with Dom Smee, a friend of mine, was done at my place. I helped out and played Henry Tudor!
@@ModernKnight Then, well done! The reconstruction stuck in my mind. I do like to test out things (that I'm curious about) for myself so, it really struck a chord.
Hello Jason thanking you talking about saddles. How interesting. I'm just a novice ride and been for quite a few times. But different teachers telling me different things. When posting in trott can I use my legs to push me up or just my body. Tried the latter but not very well. Thanking you.
Posting was developed to spare a horse and rider from a rough trot, and uses the horse's motion to bounce the rider up out of the seat a bit. It's a little more difficult to learn on a smooth horse! Using the legs tends to make them swing back and forth. It's often better, especially with a smooth trot, to learn to sit the trot first. Watch a polo match if you can find one here or on TV. I was surprised to see some riders posting to a canter, but it makes sense when considering the sort of effort they're putting forth.
I ride English. I tried Western a few times but my God it was murder on my knees. The stirrups on a western saddle aren't as forgiving as the ones in an English saddle.
That actually makes a lot of sense that the medieval saddle would have bits to support pressure farther back. Because when jousting there would suddenly be a ton of pressure farther back. The ears make sense for jousting, too. Otherwise I would think the rider would go flying off the back after a hit.
Medieval saddles held the rider in place so the rider could concentrate on fighting. William the Conqueror by the time he died had gotten so fat he died from the pommel fatally injuring his internal organs.
I wonder where you would put a western saddle such as a roping saddle. The way you describe the medieval saddle the two sound like they are ridden similarly. A roping saddle seems very similar minus the cantle "ears" and a lower pommel.
Let me tell you, I am a spanish horse rider and we use those saddles because our wild horses, because we still have wild horses, they are wayyyy more powerfull than any other horse, we can make 60km to 100km and the horses are nor tired, they are like machines we get tired before the horses, you should get 1 spanish horse, because they are really strong and powefull
No side saddles, though we have one or two images of ladies sitting on bench seats sideways on a horse being led by another. I believe side saddles, as we understand them today, were largely a Victorian invention. The Canterbury tales clearly shows women riding astride like men.
@@ModernKnight I understand that sidesaddles were in use, but the 'leaping horn' was added in the nineteenth century, making it possible for a woman to ride to the hounds while properly attired. Thank goodness that's over with....
No mention is made in regards to the "cinch" between a midieval saddle and modern saddle; very disappointing...however, thank you for an overall very interesting video. Thnx!
An aussie stock saddle is more like an English saddle with bucking rolls slapped on, also what is traditionally used here in New Zealand. I'm not sure if that spanish style saddle has a proper tree like the vaqueros style saddle.
I actually saw one of Roy Rodgers' saddles in a museum exhibit. He was an early advocate of plastic saddles, which is why he could have a shiny clean white one, but I don't think the plastics available at the time turned out to be as practical as leather. They're finally getting a bit better....
The french Camargue saddle looks almost like the medieval saddle. A very good saddlery located in germay is Rieser, they make saddles fit to the horse. They even have a forge so they can build everything in house in a very traditional way. There is also a museum with horsetack from different times and from all parts of the world. I really recommend visiting the place to everyone who is interested in history,old time craftsmanship and horses. www.rieser-sattel.de
I'm a little late in coming to the series I love watching it a lot of interesting historical facts now as far as this one with the Saddles coming from Cherokee and Sicilian descent personally give me an English saddle any day maybe it's the Cherokee in me I feel like I'm more connected with the horse then in a bulky disgusting ugly western saddle Oh yes I loathe the western saddle
The Medieval saddle looks like a mix of Western and side saddles in my opinion. Could you please tell us how riding in a Medieval saddle compares to a modern Western saddle.
I ride in an English saddle, for me, I do not like the look fo a western saddle, I don't know what it is I just not a fan of it, by I do like Medieval saddles and it sort of funny how the sort of look the same in some way going on which one you look at, I know for myself If I ever get my own horse, I would so go out and get a Medieval saddle to have for fun or for shows, One thing I like to know, I don't know if you already coved this in a video, (I'll probably find out) but I thought I ask, Did they ever ride Bitless in the Medieval times?, I tried looking for an awesome and I feel like am not looking in the right places.
The big problem for me with a Western saddle is that the fenders can reduce your feel a bit. But for being able to sit back and settle in for your ride, they're the tool for that job. I like hunt and dressage saddles myself.
interestingly, I remember a pic of a medieval saddle (in Poland?) that had an actual horn... but I wouldn't have roped a cow with it. Quite a coincidence, but not the same function
Wait wait wait, this isn't a TV series?! Holy cow man, the quality is through the roof!!! Literally every aspect of the show is done so well I thought this was just a BBC series ripped to UA-cam! Please keep up this incredible work!!
Our pleasure
The guy is an enormously talented individual who made his fortune making computer games and producing movies. He’s worth 10’s of millions of dollars. This is the kind of hobby one can have after succeeding spectacularly and whose income provides the necessary leisure time to pursue true passion. I’m grateful the universe is constructed in such a way to enable passion, talent and resources to come together to make this series happen.
@@schreckpmc wait seriously?! Thats so awesome, I was drawn to this channel randomly because I love to watch historical stuff, but I instantly loved it because of his charisma and down to earth attitude, along with passion and respect (for the episodes with other experts in the field)
I just assumed he was someone seriously passionate about this who decided to maybe start a YT channel and it took off, with enough viewership to fund the next, sort of thing. Wow, even more impressed!
@@ysn12288 He's so *kind* I thought he was POOR, lol!
(And yes, I am *well* aware that poverty isn't necessarily synonymous with humility, lol!)
@@h0rriphic TRUTH!! My people were involved with horseracing, my cousins did dressage, and I know even owning a tiny pony as a *pet* is a money hole, lol!
By "poor" I mean like he seems humble, like the dude who gets paid to muck out the stalls, but he obviously enjoys taking care of his animals. He said it keeps him in shape, and tunes his mental health, as well. Great guy!
He kinda makes me want to be a nicer person.
I used to have a Warlander (Friesian x Andalusian) that I showed in heritage tack. He had a little Lusitano blood so I had a Portuguesa saddle and accoutrements (crupper, breastplate, etc). One day I was working him in the Portuguesa tack and a little girl walking by the corral said, “That looks like a king’s saddle!” I smiled and told her she wasn’t far wrong.
I would have to say American western saddles seem like a cross between the medieval war saddle and that Spanish saddle. When I had the chance to pick up an English saddle, it didn't weigh nearly as much as a western saddle, either.
I've never rode with an English saddle, is it different riding wise?
@@chantelbarcomb1766 Yes. With the posture and your position, there is a lot of difference that you'll feel, especially if you're in the saddle for a long time. You use different different muscle groups, just like you use different ones when you ride bareback.
I would agree. As he says in the video, English saddles are great for jumping, for going fast, for not being in direct contact with the horse.
Spanish riding, I suspect, often has roots in the sorts of riding done to herd cattle, or for mountainous terrain which would involve a good bit of scrambling on the part of the horse - it seems like it would allow for the rider to keep balance much better without risking the horse should a fall be inevitable.
And Western saddles are very much constructed for riding herd on cattle - intractable beasts that Longhorns are, that also means a form of combat at times! Western saddles are built to allow for use of the rope (that's a big part of the function of the pommel) and as with the Spanish saddle, the back part reinforces and deepens the seat, allowing the rider to stay on and stay balanced even when the horse is almost sitting on his haunches, as sometimes happens when attempting to lasso and immobilize a cow or a wild horse.
I think the medieval saddle is just as well suited to its purposes as any modern saddle, and I think we learn a LOT about just what fighting was like, by looking at it. Imagine jousting, even in a Western saddle - you'd be likely to fall right off the back of the horse if you took a solid blow to the chest, but the medieval saddle cushions you against that, gives you something to brace your back against, and so only the most powerful blow is going to take you down. Of course this also means you might be risking broken bones! And I think that the construction of the saddle made it somewhat more comfortable for the horse to have an armored pair of legs banging against its sides all day - something that isn't as much of a concern for modern riders, no?
@@chantelbarcomb1766 I've heard of it described as you having to ride the horse between your legs and your hands. They are often in collected form, and you always want contact with their mouth. You sit more on your seat bones, then on your bum as in Western. The proper posture to have is a straight line running through you shoulder, hip, and ankle. Western...not so much. Hope that helps any questions! 😊😊 Have a good day!!
Agreed. Especially an old fashioned one like a vaisalia saddle
Gosh, I miss horse riding now. Did it only for a year back in my teens, but I loved it. Still do it on holiday when I get the chance. Loved the riding through the forests and mountains, even in a group.
Loved your interaction with Gossamer after her first experience with gunfire, really gentle. Such a lovely horse.
I am southern Brazilian, so i grew up being familiar with the kind that we have here, its closer to the Spanish style, but you keep your legs straight to ride, like a medieval saddle, it also takes a lot of extra bits and pieces to properly use, its never used just as the saddle.
First come some blanket-ish parts to spread the weight on the horse more effectively, cushion the horse and reduce friction, then comes the saddle itself, lastly it has some sheep furs to cushion the rider.
I am told that it evolved like that because of 2 reasons, wood was scarce in the pampas and it was hard for the "tropeiro" (i think the word translates into "trooper"), the guy who moves cattle long distances between settlements, to find a proper bed to sleep on, so he would use the furs that cushioned the saddle to make a makeshift bed to sleep on.
See the Gaucho saddle for more context.
Wow that is so interesting! I love the leg cut away for communication with the horse and the extra support at the back! Fascinating. I want one now haha
As a classical/academic dressage rider, who mostly uses Spanish and Portuguese saddles, I second your opinion on the Spanish saddle. The Portuguese saddles have an even higher pommel and cantle, as they are used in mounted bullfights in Portugal, so they do give you an incredibly safe seat, making it virtually impossible to fall off. Thats especially handy when learning to canter, but also really dangerous when you fall off. However, you also don´t falsify your seat, like in an English saddle, as you are forced to really sit straight, with straight legs, which helps with attaining a correct posture. I wouldn´t trade riding in Iberian saddles for anything anymore, especially since having ridden "English" for most of my life. I love it, especially paired with a vaguely medieval looking blouse, Andalusian riding boots and brown breeches, which vaguely give off epic vibes. Add some epic music to my riding lesson and I am the happiest person. :D :D
This is almost a bit like "the evolution of the saddle" in a video. Having ridden western, spanish, english, and australian, I'm pretty fascinated with this. Sadly, I'm an american and I'm ever-so attached to my western riding. It's just so nice to have so much length in the leg and to be able to roll back against your cantle when you're just walking across way too much trail.
This series is great honestly, I think you deserve a lot more viewers. I am confident that your channel will become more popular in the future. Keep it up!
What you described about "falling over" because of the saddle actually happened to me once. I was trying a saddle from a para-dressage rider which had very high knee rolls in front and the same thing behind the leg.The horse spooked and turned on his haunches, the saddle prevented me from falling off but the horse didn't expect that and so we fell over sideways together. No one was injured but I guess that would not have happened with a "normal" saddle, I would just have fallen off....
Juniper not really I've been on a western saddle and the horse fell over and I slid with it but I jumped off before the horse was totally on his side.
The Cavalry or horse mounted military in the United States in the 1800s and early 1900s had a slightly different saddle, too.
It's the Mcclellan saddle (I just learned) and they were used in Rhodesia and South Africa too as well as on my Granddad's farm in Namibia. I guess the missing bits made them far lighter than normal saddles. I never used one though.
I have only just found this channel but I am very much enjoying it. I enjoy your attention to detail and your passion for what you are talking about. Also the fact that it seems that it is not scripted in anyway. Can't wait to watch more keep it up 😁😁
Thank you for the informative video on the difference between modern and medieval saddles. I enjoy watching your videos and always learn something new.
Glad you like them!
The western saddle was developed in Mexico after the Spanish crown allowed mestizos and natives to ride horses. They had certain conditions though. They couldn't use anything that would identify them as upper class Spaniards. Including their saddles, tack, and riding apparel. This however led to many innovations which produced a saddle, gear, and riding equipment better suited for the openness of the new world and its large farel herds of cattle, donkeys and horses. The Spanish now even admit that the Mexican style of ranching perfected that which originated in Spain. The Mexican vaquero style of working and riding has been adopted all around the world.
Much love and peace from Texas!
Thank you for sharing. Always fascinated by the history of riding. The different saddles allowed for an evolution of riding styles. I recall reading about a la brida and a la gineta and how saddles influenced rider position over time.
Wiccad Witch that’s something I hope to show in another episode soon.
@@jasonkingsley2762 fantastic! Looking forward to that. Thank you for such a great series.
Which saddle do you prefer? And why?
Really enjoyed this video, you explain things so well. I think one heck of a lot of us would have had more interest in history if we'd had a teacher who loved his or her subject as much as you clearly do. You make history and the details sing instead of droning on, what a blessing!
These videos are amazing, I love the depth Jason goes in to on topics that some others would simply dismiss. He's such a wealth of information on all of the little details that I want to know that are super hard to find.
Thanks for your kind words, we try!
@@ModernKnight The quality of these videos is just as amazing as the information they contain. Everyone that works on these videos deserves heaps of praise! From Jason right down to all the editors, directors, planners, and everyone behind the scenes. And certainly all the makers of these beautiful pieces of arms and armor and clothing. And of course, Warlord, Gossamer, Ghost and all of the horses deserve only the highest praises!
Very good brief comparison of the three. Thanks for showing them.
The Spanish saddle looks just like an Australia Stock saddle! Loved this video..... the leather rustling is like ASMR for me! 😂
Nothing much beats the squeak of a leather saddle. Combine it with a horse's breathing and hoof beats and you have instant relaxation. Sends me right to my happy place XD
yes but it lacks the "elephant ears " of the Aussie saddle
Very informative, thank you. It makes me wonder, if there were very different kinds of medieval saddles for different purposes than war. Did they also have specialized jumping saddles (for racing, for hunting), specialized saddles for transportation or for agricultural purposes? Did people of lower status use something that was less similar to a war saddle and looking more modern? Or was "the medieval saddle" more or less one one thing that always resembled the one you presented here?
Not certain, but I think the western saddle was derived from the Vaqueros, Spanish cowboys.
There were a lot of influences with the western saddle, but yeah, definitely they had a hand in it.
I believe the Spnish/Mexicans actually created most of "cowboy culture". When Anglo-German settlers came to the area to start cattle herding, they adopted most of the practices that the Mexican cowboys were already using.
@@Yora21 Yeah, "vaqueros" became "buckaroos."
Very informative video I for one had no idea about either kind of saddle.
Fascinating! The traditional Camargue saddles seem very close to the medieval style, "clamping" the rider into the saddle. I ride my own Iberian stallion in a Spanish dressage saddle and was amazed how it changes the riding style to what seems a more subtle approach. Btw, "Sandro" sticks to the ground like a caterpillar, though quite happy to jump fences when at liberty
I agree with you about the 2 saddles.
I have a western saddle and it is much easier to stay on then an English one..
It is much more padded for the horse the the rider.
Love your videos, and information. Thank you!❤️🏇🏼🌹🐎🍖🏁🇬🇧🇺🇸🚩
If heard that quite a few times now and I have ridden in different english saddles and a whole lot of western saddles but I don't really agree 😅. I get the point when we are talking about jumping saddles. I learnt to ride in those so I am used to them and have a good seat in them but yes, you fall out of them quicker. but if you compare a western saddle to a dressage saddle ...then I'd clearly say you stay on better in a dressage saddle because dressage saddles most of the time have a lot deeper seat and you can't really slide to the side. but I mean I still think western saddles are uncomfortable 🤷🏼♀️ and it probably makes a huge difference to what you are used to and what you think is comfortable...
The western working saddle of us American cowboys has a fair amount in common with the medieval saddle. The saddle horn has a raised front part for standing in the saddle and leaning forward and a fair number have deep rear cups. Riding position is probably closer as it is assumed you will need to stand in the stirrups and apply force with your body (though probably with a rope rather than a lance).
The American or Western saddle is essentially a Spanish saddle that has been modified to work cattle. To do so you need a saddle that is going to help you stay on the horse even when it is quickly changing directions to cut off a cow, and you also need a sturdy horn to tie off your lariat so that when you rope a cow it doesn't drag you off the horse.
These days most modern Western saddles are built more for pleasure riding than working cattle, but all of the basic elements are still there. The seat has gotten a bit roomier and more comfortable, but as a result it's also easier to fall out of, and the horn has shrunken down to the point that it's primarily there to be a convenient handle for the rider to hold onto and steady himself rather than being a sturdy tie-off point for one's lariat when roping. And it does present a bit of danger similar to the front of the Medieval saddle. I've had the displeasure of having a horse go down and roll over me pressing the horn into my gut. It hurt, a lot. I ended up with a deep red & purple bruise that lasted for a couple of weeks, though thankfully there were no major injuries for me or the horse. Western saddles also tend to have a lot of tie-off points for gear, things like saddle-bags, pommel-bags, a bedroll, a slicker, a rifle scabbard, and even a rope are commonly carried on one's horse even today when riding in the backcountry...which is something America has a lot of, and horses are a great way to explore it!
You might find this interesting. I built my Western saddle (pretty much modified a kit from Tandy Leather) and realized something: In addition to having all those tie-off points and a proper substantial horn, a real basic Old West saddle would have been all leather, rawhide and wood, with very little metalwork or sewing. I worked it out at one bolt for the horn, one each to assemble the bent-wood stirrups (no threading or nuts required if peened); eight rings at about 2" diameter that could be iron, steel, brass, or bronze for a full double rig, two per cinch/girth and four for the saddle rigging; and maybe a few tacks to form the rawhide cover to the tree. Every assembly point for the leather skirts and coverings would have been laced through conchos, not screwed, and the bights of the laces would have been up to a couple feet long-- not just to tie things, but for emergency repairs. Rings were laced to the rigging and stirrup leathers laced rather than buckled. The cinches were knotted as well, not buckled.
The truly skilled labor for this was all involved with carving and covering the tree, since the rawhide cover can shrink and affect the shape of the wood as it dries.
Conquistador saddles also had a provision for a common problem for horses on campaign: the bars had padding underneath, and a slit in the leather made it possible for the rider to stuff or remove hay or horsehair or whatever to keep the saddle fitted as the horse lost condition or gained weight. I wish I could remember where I saw that magazine article. It must have been such a problem for mounted men-at-arms throughout the Middle Ages, especially the poorer ones not using the sort of saddle in this video.
@@moonshadowmagic7116 That's interesting, thanks.
Amazing information even for non-rider! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
this channel deserves way more subs
Brilliant!! Fascinating! I ride side saddle and they too, can go from being the securist thing ever, to a death trap. I would love to see a side saddle from the middle ages if you have one. Finally, your videos are better than the crap they put on the television.
Saddles were for protection while they now are for jumping. I've never thought about these details.
Thanks for again such an interesting video.
I wonder if you have every come across any information on a medieval pannier saddle during your studies? It would be beyond fabulous if you could make an episode about pannier saddles, although I appreciate this may be outside your usual area. I've found it very difficult to learn much about them.
Thanks for all your marvellous films, always cheers me up to watch a few. - Beep xx
Google pack saddles, and military pack saddles.
www.thelongridersguild.com/oriental-wonder.htm Has information to roman times.
I use the UP British cavalry saddle when I ride and love it. It has a deep seat and is very forgiving to all sorts of leg position, from the BHS taught position to the old yeoman farmer 'armchair' style
Fascinating! Thank you!
I've ridden in English, Western, McClellan and Australian saddles and though I prefer the Aussie these days (I'm older and not very strong so the support and safety of it is really great) the saddle that's best is the one designed for the job. You wouldn't want to jump in that medieval saddle but an English saddle is perfect for jumping, just like working cattle is best from a Western saddle (or the South American equivalent)- and of course jousting might be tricky and dangerous in anything but the medieval one. Right tool for the job...
... I do like the medieval's cutaway inner cheek section, enabling a more upright/straight legged position but more importantly, enabling a much closer contact with the horses flank giving you a less 'bowed leg' appearance and more control... brilliant!
I find it very comfortable.
Thank you very much for your program. This is invaluable information for anyone interested in horsemanship and swordsmanship alike. Bravo.
Glad you enjoyed it.
i call english saddles ejector seats, i prefer the Aussie stock saddle
Same here. Love the Aussie saddles.
+
@@maureendoerner9002 How do they compare to western saddles?
I have a McBride harness saddle that my great-great-grandfather bought new in 1853, and called a harness saddle because it was originally created for a single rider going post on the big 10 to 16 horse teams drawing lumber wagons which had no seat on the wagon for the driver. The rider sat one horse on either the first or middle team and directed with both vocal and reined commands. The saddle is very light, has no padding, and has large brass rings through which the traces passed. It has a A-fork pommel and low cantle, and the skirting is rounded in the front and squared in the back. I use a breast collar and sometimes a butt strap when in very hilly terrain. All in all it is a very comfortable saddle for myself and the horse or mule.
So very nicely done !
Bottomline, the Medieval Saddle is a fighting platform. The English saddle is acrobatic, a Spaniard's is for Grand Touring the estate, and the Cowboy's is an equine utility belt.
Absolutely fascinating. So basically, a medieval saddle like yours pushes the rider's center of gravity more forwards. So we can say that the weight of the rider is distributed over a smaller/shorter surface. Maybe it would be possible to make a saddle shorter in general with this kind of seat? In our modern times, people often have the problem to match themselves (being a bit big) to their short-backed horses (such as Iberian types like Andalusians or Friesians). Myself, I often experienced that problem, thus using a Spanish Mixta saddle, a California Oldtimer Western saddle and in the very end a custom-made Spanish saddle. It was just not possible for us to use a standard English saddle, as these always pressed a tad in my horse's livers and he expressed that. So I used an English dressage saddle with French cushions, which also make a saddle a tad shorter. So no, we never did an awful lot of jumping, as all of these saddles were not made for this. I might actually have tried a medieval saddle, but at time they were not available at all. I am still very interested in these aspects, as I originally wanted to became a saddlemaker, so I still suck in every piece of information I can.
Sandra Archer actually I think it move thing backwards, not forwards. The big weight bearing surfaces on the cantle help.
Sandra Archer also I find modern Fresians very long backed usually.
A, so I got that wrong. I never sat in such a saddle (only know them from UA-cam videos). When I look at these (you and other gentlemen using this saddle), I can see it. Still, maybe this could solve some of our modern day problems. Though the rider would really have to be willing to break with several aspects of modern riding. Interestingly enough, an old-style American Oldtimer saddle also has no seat padding at all. And they are quite comfortable to use. Also quite short type pf saddle, as these were made for the short-backed Spanish horses which were brought along by the Spanish conquerers to America.
These are quite good . www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JM-SADDLE-PORTUGUESE/123399030880?hash=item1cbb27c860:m:megeiFYJ-7twtHIJENeWM4g:rk:3:pf:0 also if you want a shorter saddle - go for a smaller size. I have for many years used 15." and 15,5" saddles because they fit a lot better. i just sold my black academic spanish saddle bacause it was to big for my new horse.. it looked like the one on the picture ( the link) but was black/back and brass..and was called marjomar saddle. You can get them from spain and germany. really good to ride in :) i guess i will try to get another, smaller for the new horse. sadly my beautiful gray ( now white to old age) Danish Varmblood passed away from cancer 21 years old.
Very interesting! Thank you for sharing!
7:31 it's also called a gallpago as in the gallapago Islands which were named after that Spanish saddle
Mr. Kingsley the Spanish saddle is almost like that of the western saddle. The back part of the Spanish saddle is like that of the western saddle. And the front part of a western saddle has a knob for holding on to and holding the rope.
I would love to see your analyst of a "western saddle" from the US.
This channel is the only reason I watch youtube 😂
My Australian Stock saddle was a bit weird in term of the poleys at the front and high back like a western saddle. Riding in kit on a UP saddle then the blanket roll on the front and then the roll on the back meant you were quite well supported. I always fancied a Portuguese saddle with the high back.
I always preferred the Australian stock saddle which I think looks a little like the modern Spanish saddle you showed. If I remember correctly we usually rode with straighter legs with it. On the farm in Namibia we also had, I guess, South African cavalry saddles - the Mcclellan saddle. I have just learned it was a US Cavalry saddle from the late 1800s. The saddle has quite a lot missing in the middle between the pommel and the seat. I never used the Mcclellan saddles as I had my English style saddle but much preferred the Australian stock saddle - far more comfortable and harder to fall off.
The McClellan saddle is attributed to General George McClellan, active during the American Civil War and the decade or so before. It's pretty much an unadorned tree covered in leather (originally in rawhide, but that is too sensitive to moisture) and, with its big slit down the middle, was designed to accommodate a horse on campaign whose condition would change over the course of a few weeks of rough forage and hard travel. The padding was all in the saddle blankets, and so very adjustable.
It was not beloved by the cavalrymen, as there's no concession to human comfort, but I've ridden them and enjoyed it.
I'm wondering how the sidesaddles for the ladies were constructed in the Middle Ages.
Probably just like a normal one today...I mean being that ladies didn't go into battle.
They were very different because you couldn’t really sit with both legs on either side of the horse if you had a dress on. So what they did was sit with both legs on one side. I think it’s called a sidesaddle but I’m not 100% sure.
They rode astride usually, or sideways behind the rider with both feet on a kind of platform. Women in the middle ages rode all the time if they were able to afford it.
PS, pleased to see that the 'cantle' isn't too high, did wonder how difficult it would be to get your leg over, especially dismounting (I don't have much spring)
11:03 Interesting comment about medieval landscapes. As there was no mechanised agriculture, I would expect there to be lots of small fields, hedgerows, dry-stone walls, ditches and uncanalised little streams...
I've actually never seen an English saddle IRL, only ever used Western and McClellans. And most people I know haven't seen a McClellan either.
Rode in Mongolia in the mid-90s. Their saddle is really nothing more than a brace for standing on the stirrups. Legs go straight down to stirrups very much like Aussie stirrups, making it simple to stand on while riding. Remember watching Mongols riding at a canter while standing on their stirrups. If you looked only at their heads there was almost no bobbing to it. A slight lean into the front board of the saddle was all. Looked graceful. A nightmare to sit in however, their saddle. My guide, a Mongolian, showed that he would shift from one bum to the other when trotting. Riding with a Mongol saddle requires strong quads to be comfortable.
Top notch yet again!!! 💜🦄
Never knew that about saddle not sitting on horse spine cool 😁🏴
Wow I’m new to this channel and I love it! Such great work and knowledge went I to this.
Hi, firstly, excellent video as always. You specifically mentioned English saddles, what are the differences between them and other styles of saddle? The ones used in the continent for example. Also, how would a saddle which was specifically designed to be used in warfare differ from, for lack of a better word, a civilian saddle?
I can only speak about the use of terms in German, but we also call modern saddles that we use English saddles as well as we call the "normal" riding style English style to distinguish it from Western or Spanish style. So at least in German, English style just means the wide-spread riding style in the riding sport. I'm not quite firm in terms of history, but I think that's because the style developed in England before it was adopted elsewhere :)
I would like to start riding again, but have awful sciatica and back pain so the modern saddle won't work for me because of the alignment of the back required to use it properly. The medieval saddle would be perfect for me - I wonder if there is a lighter weight modern version of IT 🤔 (i don't know much about saddles) Edit - he has just mentioned the Spanish saddle that seems better for me 😄
I've been fortunate enough to learn how to ride both the Western and the English style saddles. If you read the historical literature and look at paintings from different eras, you can that the "Western saddle" is really nothing more than the Spanish saddle design's New World descendant. The Spanish conquistadors brought their saddles to the New World (a version similar to your medieval saddle in this video). Over the course of 300 years, as the Spanish settled into what is now northern Mexico and southwest US, the Spaniards in Mexico experimented with different features and designs. By the mid- to late-nineteenth century, the modern "Western saddle" had evolved. And you hit the nail right on the head about the pro's and con's of those saddles. I have never ridden a medieval saddle but the Spanish saddle struck me as one that would almost certainly feel like riding a modern Western saddle. My experience has been that Western saddles give one more support and are easier to learn to ride as a novice. Once you reach a certain level of proficiency and confidence, you can switch to an English style saddle without too much difficulty. That said riding an English style saddle is a little more challenging because there is less "stuff" there to keep you on the horse, and you have to work harder at having a good seat to keep you in place while moving at any gait. By the way, you should check out the design of Mongolian saddles. The basic saddle design you see in the Mongolian countryside today is really no different than what it was in the 12th century yet it is very similar to an English style saddle in certain respects.
Great tip on the Mongolian saddle, I've not looked into those.
I've owned a few medieval reproductions & to me they felt a lot like my modern saddles I use for roping & speed racking. They are designed to help hold you on. I wonder how much they got influence from medieval saddles for war when designing for modern competition?
I have had problems in my lower spine to the point i had to get a fusion between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae.
I used to ride Western style, and Ive been told by some that I can never ride again, but others have said I can, as long as i don't trot or gallop. Basically just walking and cantering and absolutely no jumping!
The main problem is my back will no longer flex at that joint, and the motion and weight that would ordinarily be carried at that joint has to go somewhere else, and they fear that it would be shifted onto other back joints and lead to further injury and surgery.
Watching you ride, and showing the different styles of saddle, I'm almost positive that there has to be a way that would work for me.
I know you aren't a physician, but you know a heck of a lot about riding. My doctors don't even want me to walk on a trail pony, which I think is crazy. What do you think?
Can you find mediecal specialists who might be able to make suggestions? Mental welfare is an important thing. I know many people enjoy in-hand horse training and liberty work on the ground.
@@ModernKnight I guess i could consult with a sports medicine specialist. My regular physician says "No!" And my back doctor has never been on a horse and somehow doesn't understand i used to ride mules bareback as a child.
@@ModernKnight It has been depressing not being able to ride.
Gaited horses might be an avenue of inquiry. If you can find a doctor to work with... Perhaps contact with an equine therapy facility (people therapy with horses, I mean) could help you find professionals in the field
Very interesting indeed. I'm riding with an American Civil War reproduction McClellan saddle, which is a cross between a modern "western" US saddle and a traditional English saddle.
I am curious if you made some tests on the pressure points of the medieval saddle, especially the weight bearing past the last ribs. It is true that it is more expensive to get a saddle fitted, but the additional comfort you get for the horse, and increased cooperation is really quite marked. Thanks for all the information! :-) PS: your horses look great and you clearly have a good relationship with your horses. Good to see. :-)))
my medieval saddles are all individually fitted.
A few years ago, in America, Australian stock saddles were a fad. They reminded me somewhat of the saddle that you showed last in this video. They have a raised roll over the pommel that rises up and they’re designed with skirts in the back to spread the weight of the horse is his kidneys it’s a trap.
Plastron, son of Cantle, son of Pommel, Lord of all Saddle Makers.
I personally prefer Spannish saddle over English one, because Spanish saddle seems to allow people to sit more comfortably and it also holds the rider more firmly and safely so as to prevent the rider from falling off as well as be thrown from the horseback.
Hello, greetings from México. I do research on the Mexican saddles. The Spanish introduced similar saddles like yours in Mexico in the 16th century. With time the natives in México modified the Spanish saddle and invented the saddle horn (to tie the rope) and all the roping techniques. The Mexican saddle is so versatile that it has been copied in many parts of the world. The "western" saddle is of Mexican origin, in fact, the western saddle used to be called the Mexican saddle as Mexican people have always lived in what is now the American southwest. You have a nice channel
I used to ride a lot very interesting
Was the evolution from the medieval saddle to the English saddle linked to changing cavalry tactics? From heavily armoured lance charge to break infantry to the modern charge with swords and little or no armour and the inevitable melee requiring greater mobility in the saddle.
Yes Western style is very similar to the Spanish saddle
The Spanish saddle looks remarkably like an Australian stock saddle actually. Excellent for chasing cattle down hills.
I am glad it wasn't just me that thought that. After commenting just that I see many people think so too. The most comfortable saddle I've ever used.
Do you think Warhorse has a favourite saddle? This might seem like a silly question (and I admit I don't really know a thing about horses) but I'm just wondering if a certain style of saddle is nicer for the horse underneath.
yes, different saddles seem to feel different for both rider, and presumably horse.
Rode with out a saddle for four years when I was a kid, the girth broke, and my parents were too cheap to replace it. Western saddles traditionally don't have much padding either. They are heavier than English hunt saddles. Walking horse saddles have a ridding position with straighter legs.
I always thought medieval art depicting men on horseback was poor artistry because the legs of the riders were always way too straight by my estimation. I just assumed artists didn't ride horses much and it was artistic license to depict straight legs. Looked really odd to me. Now I see people really did ride with a straighter leg back then! Interesting.
yes it makes for a much more secure seat and better weapons platform, but makes jumping and anything relating to getting up and out of the saddle much harder.
Ah ha...now I understand. I've only ever been on a steed a few times in my life and, for those times in the UK, I've acquired quite extensive bruising to the nether regions...completely absent when I was required to mount a steed to follow a mountainous trek in South America - a fab experience I would repeat in a heartbeat....It must have been a Spanish style saddle! Apparently, crooked-backed King Richard III rode with no problems (it has been demonstrated in reconstructions along the lines you do) - thus I assume, more comfort at possible cost to slight increase in danger?
I think medieval saddles are more dangerous in some ways, less so in others. that reconstruction with Dom Smee, a friend of mine, was done at my place. I helped out and played Henry Tudor!
@@ModernKnight Then, well done! The reconstruction stuck in my mind. I do like to test out things (that I'm curious about) for myself so, it really struck a chord.
Like with the old square-backed Western saddles, the ears on that medieval saddle could break your spine if you do go over backwards/sideways.
I have 3 saddles left, western breaking saddle, English and a 19th century side saddle. That most closely resembles the side saddle
Hello Jason thanking you talking about saddles. How interesting.
I'm just a novice ride and been for quite a few times. But different teachers telling me different things. When posting in trott can I use my legs to push me up or just my body. Tried the latter but not very well. Thanking you.
Posting was developed to spare a horse and rider from a rough trot, and uses the horse's motion to bounce the rider up out of the seat a bit. It's a little more difficult to learn on a smooth horse! Using the legs tends to make them swing back and forth. It's often better, especially with a smooth trot, to learn to sit the trot first.
Watch a polo match if you can find one here or on TV. I was surprised to see some riders posting to a canter, but it makes sense when considering the sort of effort they're putting forth.
Very interesting, love your videos...but where do you tie the rope when you wrangle a head of cattle? :)
I rode English and Western and loved both forms of riding.
I ride English. I tried Western a few times but my God it was murder on my knees. The stirrups on a western saddle aren't as forgiving as the ones in an English saddle.
@@epicwalrus7183 Agree, the stirrup leathers need to be formed and broken in properly. Not sure this is taught as it should be these days
In the intro i saw someone take a stab at a plate armor chest which promted a pirouette as a response.
D. Gerlach yes, that’s a clip from the episode where I discuss movie fighting and what it’s trying to do. Not a good technique to use in a real fight.
Western saddles and camargue saddles are best. Actually I would say Camargue saddle is the closest to medieval.
Do you know anything about med. saddles made of ivory for parades? They are in the shape of vertebrae. The MET museum has a few of these items.
That actually makes a lot of sense that the medieval saddle would have bits to support pressure farther back. Because when jousting there would suddenly be a ton of pressure farther back. The ears make sense for jousting, too. Otherwise I would think the rider would go flying off the back after a hit.
Medieval saddles held the rider in place so the rider could concentrate on fighting. William the Conqueror by the time he died had gotten so fat he died from the pommel fatally injuring his internal organs.
I wonder where you would put a western saddle such as a roping saddle. The way you describe the medieval saddle the two sound like they are ridden similarly. A roping saddle seems very similar minus the cantle "ears" and a lower pommel.
Let me tell you, I am a spanish horse rider and we use those saddles because our wild horses, because we still have wild horses, they are wayyyy more powerfull than any other horse, we can make 60km to 100km and the horses are nor tired, they are like machines we get tired before the horses, you should get 1 spanish horse, because they are really strong and powefull
very interesting, I've always wondered what a wild horse would be like to work with.
It would be interesting to see some information on side saddles and how woman rode horses back then☺
No side saddles, though we have one or two images of ladies sitting on bench seats sideways on a horse being led by another. I believe side saddles, as we understand them today, were largely a Victorian invention. The Canterbury tales clearly shows women riding astride like men.
@@ModernKnight I understand that sidesaddles were in use, but the 'leaping horn' was added in the nineteenth century, making it possible for a woman to ride to the hounds while properly attired. Thank goodness that's over with....
No mention is made in regards to the "cinch" between a midieval saddle and modern saddle; very disappointing...however, thank you for an overall very interesting video. Thnx!
that's because medieval girthing is very variable some saddles had two, some only one.
Could you tell us who made your saddle?
I'm pretty comfident it's made by Historic Saddles (Netherlands)
Yes, historic equitation . It’s a few years and many tournaments old now, but has worn well.
Historic équitation is Dom's group! They don't make saddles do they?
I was wrong the saddle is made by Joram of historic saddles, it’s an early one of his.
Cheers, thanks Jason!
I might late on this have you seen an Australian style saddle. Similar tothese types as well.
Yes, good point, but I don’t have on at my yard to show, sadly.
An aussie stock saddle is more like an English saddle with bucking rolls slapped on, also what is traditionally used here in New Zealand. I'm not sure if that spanish style saddle has a proper tree like the vaqueros style saddle.
Nice educational video, but I'll take a Roy Rogers saddle over those contraptions.
I actually saw one of Roy Rodgers' saddles in a museum exhibit. He was an early advocate of plastic saddles, which is why he could have a shiny clean white one, but I don't think the plastics available at the time turned out to be as practical as leather. They're finally getting a bit better....
You also have to add the 'Western" saddle and the Australian Saddle...
Was there a medieval saddle for normal riding/hunting that didn’t have the front plate and ears of the ‘battle saddle’?
The french Camargue saddle looks almost like the medieval saddle. A very good saddlery located in germay is Rieser, they make saddles fit to the horse. They even have a forge so they can build everything in house in a very traditional way. There is also a museum with horsetack from different times and from all parts of the world. I really recommend visiting the place to everyone who is interested in history,old time craftsmanship and horses. www.rieser-sattel.de
With a spanish saddle designed for bullfighting, you could see the utility in being more "Medieval like"
I'm a little late in coming to the series I love watching it a lot of interesting historical facts now as far as this one with the Saddles coming from Cherokee and Sicilian descent personally give me an English saddle any day maybe it's the Cherokee in me I feel like I'm more connected with the horse then in a bulky disgusting ugly western saddle
Oh yes I loathe the western saddle
The Medieval saddle looks like a mix of Western and side saddles in my opinion. Could you please tell us how riding in a Medieval saddle compares to a modern Western saddle.
How does the Spanish saddle compare to 18th or early 19th century cavalry saddles?
I ride in an English saddle, for me, I do not like the look fo a western saddle, I don't know what it is I just not a fan of it, by I do like Medieval saddles and it sort of funny how the sort of look the same in some way going on which one you look at,
I know for myself If I ever get my own horse, I would so go out and get a Medieval saddle to have for fun or for shows,
One thing I like to know, I don't know if you already coved this in a video, (I'll probably find out) but I thought I ask, Did they ever ride Bitless in the Medieval times?, I tried looking for an awesome and I feel like am not looking in the right places.
The big problem for me with a Western saddle is that the fenders can reduce your feel a bit. But for being able to sit back and settle in for your ride, they're the tool for that job. I like hunt and dressage saddles myself.
Having grown up riding with western saddles, I thought the horn on the front of the saddle was ubiquitous, but none of these quite have that.
The roping horn is unique to saddles used to rope cattle. It's not used an any other type of saddle throughout history.
interestingly, I remember a pic of a medieval saddle (in Poland?) that had an actual horn... but I wouldn't have roped a cow with it. Quite a coincidence, but not the same function
Now that I have seen a medieval saddle.. I had to smile at the thought of jumping with it .. now that would be moderately horrendous
It's probably dangerous to jump in one!