Second Post of the Day
I came across some pictures a while back of several historic saddles that are in our family's possession. I thought it might be fun to take a look at two of them today.
My sister Leslie had a time in her life when she was riding side saddle with friends fairly often. And during that time, these two historic side saddles came into her possession.
Aside from the time period they came from, I know very little about them. Still, they are a neat look into the past and I can't help but wonder about the women who sat in these saddles and went for a gallop hundreds of years ago.
18th Century (1700s)
This one is from the time period of The Feast of the Hunters' Moon so I find it especially interesting.
The protrusion on the top far right is the fixed head (also called the top pommel.) Look at the beautiful leather tooling! And the seat is padded - maybe with horsehair?
The protrusion on the top far left is the leaping head or lower pommel. More lovely tooling. This saddle is truly a thing of beauty.
The 18th century stirrup iron.
19th Century (1800s)
The seat appears to be a heavy fabric, almost like what was used for carpets during that time period. You can clearly see both pommels. There is tooling - I wish I could see it better.
This close-up of the stirrup gives us a better view of the tacks used (they look decorative to me) and some tiny tooling below that.
The stirrup iron has a heart cut out of it - I would imagine that many female riders would have enjoyed that touch of whimsy. I know I would!
The Fort Ouiatenon Stirrup Iron
Now here is something interesting. Take a look at this stirrup iron that was found when the Fort Ouiatenon site was being excavated in the 1960s.
Scroll back up and take another look at the stirrup iron on the 18th century sidesaddle. See the similarities?
Gives me shivers to see the similarities of the one taken from the site of Fort Ouiatenon when compared to the one on Leslie's 18th century sidesaddle.
Tomorrow I will show a couple more saddles - stay 'tooned!
