Throughout the tapestry of history, the military has heavily relied on animal power for transportation. Horses, mules, and ponies served as the quintessential modes of conveyance, especially during battles. Military saddles, as an integral part of this mix, have witnessed a continual process of change and development. These modifications aimed not only at offering the soldier a comfortable and sturdy seat for travel but also at ensuring unobstructed maneuverability during combat situations.
Design Challenges for Military Saddles
The design and innovation of military saddles faced a specific set of challenges. These challenges were quite basic in nature, yet, critically important in terms of execution. The primary aspect to consider was the overall durability and robustness of the saddle. It had to endure constant, rigorous use, often in adverse conditions.
Comfort for Both: The Rider and The Ridden
The saddle’s comfort was another pivotal factor — not only for the soldier riding but also for the animal carrying the weight. A horse suffering from saddle-related discomforts such as sores or girth galls could jeopardize the effectiveness of an army, sometimes for prolonged periods. Thus, the saddle design had to focus on eliminating any potentially distressing elements for the horse.
Equipment Carrying Capacity
Additionally, the design of military saddles needed to incorporate provisions for carrying soldierly equipment. This meant that saddles had to be fitted with fixtures and attachments that allow for the easy packing and accessibility of military gear. Thus, the development and evolution of military saddles balanced the efficient blending of comfort, durability, and functionality.
Cape Fan Military Saddle
One of the noteworthy introductions in saddle history is the Cape Fan Military Saddle. This particular design originated from a modification of the English hunting saddle and transformed over time into an essential military equipment, utilized throughout various regions of the world, including mounted police forces.
Origins and History
The Cape Fan saddle is named after the saddle tree, a structural base, trade name used in its creation. It’s alternately referred to as colonial, staff officer’s, semi-military (a term used to distinguish it from the Universal saddle) and yeomanry saddle. First appearing in the Cape of Good Hope, it was officially adopted by the British Army in 1879 after its use by the military spread across South Africa in 1877. The saddle remains in active use today, especially among mounted police forces worldwide.
Distinctive Design
The unique design of the Cape Fan saddle revolves around its distinctive saddle tree, which bears a resemblance to that of the hunting saddle. It boasts extended sidebars which form pronounced fans at the rear and burs at the front. These features aim to provide a greater bearing surface on the horse’s back. The fans also prevent the cantle (rear part of the saddle) from pressing down onto the horse’s spine and can bear the weight of items like rolled blankets.
Material and Features
Typically, the saddle tree is crafted from beech wood and is equipped with points and spring bars linked to the saddle leathers. The forearch is elevated to avoid pressing down on the horse’s withers (the ridge between the horse’s shoulder blades). While most Cape Fan saddles have a full head for police work, the officers’ models can be cut back.
Rider and Equipment Accommodation
To accommodate a wide range of riders, the saddle seat provides generous room. The seat and skirts are cut in one piece, and two D-rings are affixed to the fans to hold the rifle bucket, baton case, spare shoe case, and other equipment. Initially, the Cape Fan saddle lacked panels and used a numnah (a type of saddle pad) and military blanket instead. Over time, padded full panels, some of which are detachable, replaced the blanket and numnah. They are attached to the tree and can be removed for re-stuffing or replacing.
Weight and Carrying Capacity
Weighing in at approximately 8 kg when fully equipped, the Cape Fan saddle was designed with the rider’s personal luggage in mind, yet it’s not suitable for carrying heavy packs. This saddle has marked its place as an enduring symbol of military and uniformed services across various parts of the world.
McClellan Saddle
An integral part of the United States military from the Civil War era up until World War II was a saddling design known as the McClellan Saddle. Invented by American General George Brinton McClellan, the saddle is an adaptation of the military Hussar saddle type and is characterized by its simple design and functional detailing.
Design Inspiration and History
American General George Brinton McClellan, inspired by the Hussar saddle style, adapted it to create the renowned McClellan saddle. Following its invention, it quickly became the primary saddle used in the United States military and retained this standing until World War II.
Signature Build and Material
The McClellan saddle is distinguished by its narrow saddle-tree made of beech or poplar and devoid of “points” (extensions of the tree towards the front of the saddle). This tree is tightly covered in leather, with stitching around the edges giving it a clean finish. The tree uniquely extends into short burs and fans and features a slightly dipped seat and high arches. This design ensured durability while providing comfort to the rider and the horse.
Rigging and Attachments
The saddle’s rigging style is “center fire,” a term indicating the position of the cinch when the saddle is fastened. Initially, a braided horsehair cinch with a ring at each end was used to secure it to the cinch rings on the saddle. Over time, this was replaced by flap straps and a leather girth system, enhancing the saddle’s functionality and ease of use.
Stirrups and Padding
McClellan saddles had one of two types of stirrup irons – traditional English or wooden ones designed with a hood following western style. The saddle does not have inbuilt pads; instead, a prominently folded blanket is used as under-padding.
Usage Experience and Overall Weight
The McClellan saddle mandates an upright sitting posture, thus, encouraging the rider to “ride light.” While it offers a lightweight advantage, weighing only around 7.5 kg (17 lb), it may not provide as much security as its British counterparts. Nevertheless, the McClellan saddle’s history and use in the United States military speak volumes about its resilience and functionality over the years.
The Hussar saddle
The Hussar saddle, rooted in a Hungarian pattern, has been a mainstay of European military since the 18th century. It’s still in use today, notably by the Household Cavalry and the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery in Britain. Known for its extreme strength, simplicity, and ability to bear a significant amount of weight, the Hussar saddle is tailored to military needs.
Design and Evolution
The design of the Hussar saddle takes inspiration from the old Mongol saddle, known for its simplicity and strength. Originally, the saddle tree, which is the frame of the saddle, was made of beech. It didn’t have points (extensions of the tree towards the front of the saddle), and the frame was glued, pegged, and wrapped in rawhide for enhanced strength.
In later versions, the beech tree was replaced with stronger steel trees outfitted with points made of thick fell. The saddle design includes burs and long fan extensions on the tree, allowing it to support substantial weight.
Construction and Comfort
One standout feature of the Hussar saddle design is how the tree sidebars are laced together with tight rawhide. This method creates a wide, high channel that protects the horse’s spine from bearing the rider’s weight, also promoting air circulation to prevent saddle sores on lengthy rides. This thoughtful design element shows the emphasis on horse comfort in this saddle’s construction.
The saddle features stirrup leathers slotted through holes in the tree. The seat, measuring approximately 420mm (about 16.5 inches) in length, is deeply dipped and positioned between a high pommel and an even higher, narrow cantle (spoon) of approximately 280mm (about 11 inches). This design supplies the rider with a firm, deep seat, capable of accommodating both short and long leg positions.
Seat and Flaps
At the time the saddle was used by the Austrian cavalry, the seat and flaps of the Hussar saddle were crafted from one piece of leather. They were quilted and removable. Currently, they’re usually made of stretched leather and often covered with a shabraque (also known as a shabrack), which extends to cover the horse behind the saddle and the holsters.
Girth and Padding
In the British cavalry, before 1860, a blanket folded up to 15 times served as padding in place of panels. After 1860, however, panels, stuffed with horsehair and lined with serge, took the place of the folded blanket. Web girths, permanently fixed to the offside to prevent loss, are used with this saddle.
Key Benefits
The Hussar saddle offers two significant advantages for military purposes. First, it can be completely disassembled, and second, it’s designed to accommodate a lot of extra equipment. These features make it an ideal choice for military operations, considering the portability, ease-of-use and practicality it offers.
Phillips Saddle
The Phillips saddle is a contemporary saddle style currently in use by the United States military. This forward-seat saddle effectively blends the features of the English hunting saddle with the French officer’s saddle, resulting in a design that’s functionally robust and comfortable. The Phillips saddle also comes in two military pack styles.
Design Fusion
The Phillips saddle stands out for its unique fusion of design elements from two distinctive saddle types: the English hunting saddle and the French officer’s saddle. The English hunting saddle is known for its secure, forward-cut design that promotes a forward, athletic riding position. This position aids in maintaining balance during jumping and intensive riding, such as in hunting.
On the other hand, the French officer’s saddle, known for its wider and shorter seat, offers increased surface area contact with the horse, allowing improved balance and stability when maneuvering quickly during military exercises.
The Phillips saddle merges these design components, adopting the forward-seat design from the English hunting saddle and the stability of the French officer’s saddle, resulting in a saddle fit for both recreational and military use.
Modern Features
In addition to blending traditional saddle styles, the Phillips saddle incorporates modern advancements in saddle design and construction. These enhancements offer improved comfort for both the rider and the horse and ensure more efficient performance during both routine and strenuous activities.
Pack Saddle Styles
Beyond the standard riding model, the Phillips saddle is also available in two military pack styles. Pack saddles are designed to carry cargo rather than riders, and their design caters to the weight distribution and animal comfort. The differences between the two styles could potentially lie in their load capacity, the shape of the tree, and the attachable gear, however, more specific information would be needed to describe these variations in detail.
North American Indian Saddle
The North American Indians have a battle saddle distinctively their own in design and function. Catered to suit their unique cavalry needs, this saddle features a light wooden frame, a straight seat made of hide, and a pommel and cantle standing sharply angled from the seat. Its design has interesting elements for both rider maneuverability and stealth capabilities on the battlefield.
Saddle Design and Construction
The North American Indian battle saddle incorporates a light wooden frame custom-shaped to match the back of the horse. This design ensures more uniform weight distribution and improved comfort for the horse, even during strenuous rides or battles.
The saddle features a straight seat made of hide that forms almost a right angle with the pommel (front part of the saddle) and cantle (back part of the saddle). The pommel and cantle stand approximately 200mm (about 8 inches) above the seat. This design may seem unconventional compared to many standard saddle designs today, but it carries its own set of functional advantages.
Unique Features for Battle Strategies
An interesting feature of this saddle is the wide cantle with a cutout in the center. The rider would have a chance to hook his heel in this cutout, enabling him to shift his weight and lean to one side of the horse, thus hiding from view. Such a design promotes stealth during battles, allowing riders to remain unnoticed or hide from enemies while on horseback.
Rider’s Position
The unique shape of the saddle seat combined with the short length of the stirrup leathers used results in a riding position that may seem unnatural by current standards. The rider, instead of sitting upright, is inclined into a recumbent position, almost lying on his back. While possibly uncomfortable, this design was likely inspired by specific battle tactics or riding needs of the North American Indians.
Universal Steel Arch Saddle
The Universal Steel Arch saddle, developed in the 1890s, revolutionized military saddle design and has since undergone numerous modifications. Known for its strength and ability to bear heavy weights, this saddle’s innovative features provide increased durability and adaptability for various horses and riders.
Steel Tree Design
At the core of the Universal Steel Arch saddle is its steel tree, composed of sidebars extending into fans and connected by two high, rounded arches. This robust construction allows the saddle to carry substantial weight without compromising its integrity.
The front arch is secured by clips, while the rear arch is held in place by sockets. To prevent the rear arch from being wrenched from its sockets, struts are positioned at its base. Both arches are jointed, enabling them to fit any horse without the need for adjustments.
Saddle Seat and Stirrups
The saddle’s seat is supported by double webbing stretched between the front and rear arches. This long, blocked seat is crafted from wet leather, which is then dried in place, forming a tight skin over the tree’s framework.
The stirrups attach to the tree using a buckle attachment, preventing sore backs that may be caused by other methods, such as inserting them through the tree. These stirrups are set slightly farther back than those on a typical hunting saddle.
Initially, the saddle tree featured points, but these were eventually removed when a new girth attachment system was designed. This innovation stopped the saddle from shifting without the need for points.
Girth Straps and Numnah Panels
The Universal Steel Arch saddle employs a V-shaped arrangement of two girth straps. The wide arms of the V connect to the saddle’s sidebars, while the longest arm is fitted at the rear. This unique design prevents the saddle from moving out of place.
To further enhance comfort and durability, separate felt numnah (saddle pad) panels come with the saddles. These straight-cut numnah panels easily attach to steel studs in the sidebars, making removal a breeze.
Pack Saddles
Pack saddles have been pivotal in both war and peace efforts for centuries. While pack animals may not carry as heavy loads as driven animals, their ability to traverse diverse terrain gives them a distinct advantage. Given the specific and unique nature of pack saddles, proper design and fitting are crucial to prevent injury to the animal and maintain stability throughout their journey.
Importance of Proper Design and Fitting
Unlike a riding saddle, where the rider’s weight shifts and periodically dismounts, a pack saddle’s weight remains constant and stationary throughout the day. To protect the animal from potential injuries caused by this unyielding load, it is essential to ensure that the pack saddle is designed and fitted on the animal even more meticulously than a riding saddle. Additionally, the pack must be secured to prevent any movement, which could lead to discomfort or harm to the animal.
Types of Pack Saddles
There is a wide array of pack saddle designs, with some being civilian and others military or civilian designs adapted for military use. Despite the variety, all pack saddles can be classified into two main categories: those with trees and those without.
Tree-based Pack Saddles
Pack saddles with a tree provide a rigid framework that offers support for the animal’s back and ensures even weight distribution. These saddles help prevent the animal from experiencing undue pressure or discomfort, maintaining its welfare during long travels.
Treeless Pack Saddles
On the other hand, treeless pack saddles rely on flexible materials and padding to conform to the animal’s shape without the added rigidity of a tree. While these saddles offer more adaptability, it is crucial to ensure that they are carefully fitted and padded to avoid pressure points and potential injuries to the animal.
Aparego Pack Saddle
The Aparego pack saddle, also known as an albarda or asparego, is a traditional tree-less pack saddle originating in Spain. Its widespread use persists to this day thanks to its practical design, which provides comfort and support to the animals wearing it. The construction of the aparego pack saddle involves long straw stems, padded straps, and a linen saddlecloth, all working together to distribute the weight of the load effectively while preventing pressure on the animal’s spine.
Components of the Aparego Pack Saddle
The main components of the aparego pack saddle are long stems of straw sewn into two linen cases. Each case measures around 100mm (4 inches) across and spans from the animal’s hip to its withers. These two cases are connected by padded straps that pass over the animal’s back, ensuring a secure fit.
A thick pillow made of straw stuffed into a sack is placed on top of the straw-filled linen cases to provide additional support and comfort. A linen saddlecloth protects the animal’s back, while a surcingle wraps around the entire saddle to hold everything in place.
Loading and Securing Cargo
The load carried by the aparego pack saddle typically consists of two large bundles and multiple small ones, allowing for efficient use of space. The bundles are carefully roped into place and secured to ensure that the weight is distributed evenly, without putting pressure on the animal’s spine.
This thoughtful design not only minimizes discomfort for the animal but also allows it to carry cargo across a variety of terrains with optimal support and stability, making the aparego pack saddle a reliable choice for those in need of a versatile, tree-less pack saddle.
Otago Pack Saddle
The Otago pack saddle, initially spotted in the mines of New Zealand’s South Island, gained recognition and was later adopted as the British universal pack saddle. Characterized by a large cushioning pad, extended sidebars, dual girths, and strategically placed hooks, this saddle became known for its comfort and adaptability during long journeys, despite its substantial weight of up to 18 kg (40 lb).
Design and Contents of the Otago Pack Saddle
The Otago pack saddle incorporates a large cushioning pad that provides the primary support and comfort for the animal. This pad is secured onto the animal’s back using a breastplate and breeching, ensuring a tight fit and preventing any unwanted movement during travel.
To evenly distribute the weight of the load, the saddle comes with long sidebars. These sidebars are pivotal in allowing the animal to carry heavy cargo comfortably. Furthermore, two girths are used to secure the load, reinforcing the stability of the pack saddle.
The Role of Pommel and Cantle Hooks
One significant feature of the Otago pack saddle is the inclusion of hooks on the pommel and cantle. These hooks come into play when ropes are used to attach the packs to the saddle. They ensure the load stays in place and aids in maintaining balance during long journeys.
Despite the saddle’s considerable weight of up to 18 kg (40 lb), the Otago pack saddle was commended for its remarkable comfort during extended trips. Thanks to the thoughtfulness in its design, it was recognized and utilized as the British universal pack saddle, further cementing its place in the history of pack saddle development.
Mark V Adjustable Tree Pack Saddle
The Mark V adjustable tree pack saddle offers an exceptional blend of adaptability and durability, making it a popular choice among military users even today. Its ingenious design includes jointed tree arches attached to wooden sidebars, enabling the saddle to adjust and fit any back size comfortably. Coupled with horsehair-stuffed panels, double girths, and varied hooks and loops for cargo, the saddle provides an efficient and secure solution for carrying loads.
Adjustability and Structure of the Mark V Pack Saddle
The standout feature of the Mark V pack saddle is the adjustable tree arches. These arches are jointed onto the wooden sidebars. This setting allows the adaptability of the saddle according to different sizes of backs, providing a customized fit for the pack animal.
The wooden sidebars themselves are shaped and designed meticulously to ensure they conform comfortably to the animal’s back, eliminating discomfort and potential pressure points.
Padding and Load Carriers
Additional comfortable padding is achieved through panels stuffed with horsehair. These panels slot inside leather pockets located on the sidebars, providing an enhanced cushioning effect.
For load carrying, the Mark V pack saddle is equipped with various hooks and loops. These fixtures accommodate different types of load carriers, enabling the saddle to carry a range of cargo sizes and styles.
Ensuring Saddle Security
To ensure the saddle remains secure and stable on the animal, it is fitted with a double girth, breeching, crupper, and breastplate. These measures help keep the saddle in place during movement, reducing the risk of slippage or imbalance.
While the Mark V pack saddle maintains its popularity, it’s worth noting that most modern military pack saddles are adaptations of the steel-tree cavalry saddle. These newer versions feature jointed elements in their design, maximizing the comfort and performance while wearing them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Saddles
Q: What differentiates a military saddle from a civilian saddle?
A: Military saddles are designed keeping in mind the needs of the military. They are usually more robust, adjustable, and have additional hooks and loops to attach military gear. They may also have special features to adapt to the varying sizes of pack animals used in the military.
Q: What materials are military saddles built with?
A: Military saddles are commonly built with hard-wearing materials that can withstand demanding conditions. These include steel, wood, leather, and in some cases, horsehair padding. The materials are chosen for their durability, ability to provide comfort for the animal, and their ease of maintenance.
Q: Can military saddles be used by civilians?
A: Absolutely. While designed for military use, these saddles can be used by civilians, especially those in need of robust, adaptable saddles for carrying heavy loads. However, it’s essential to ensure the saddle is a good fit for the animal in use to prevent discomfort or injury.
Q: How are military saddles kept secure on the animal?
A: Military saddles use various features to remain stable on the animal, such as a double girth, breeching, crupper, and breastplate. These components help keep the saddle in place, even during vigorous activity or while carrying heavy loads.
Q: Are military saddles comfortable for animals on long marches?
A: Yes, most military saddles are designed with the animal’s comfort in mind. They’re often padded with materials like horsehair and are adjustable to fit the animal’s back appropriately. However, it’s always crucial to ensure the saddle is appropriately fitted and adjusted to prevent discomfort or injuries.
Q: What is the weight of a typical military saddle?
A: The weight varies depending on the specific type and model of the saddle. Some types, like the Mark V adjustable tree pack saddle, can weigh up to 18 kg (40 lb). It’s important to consider the weight of the saddle along with the weight of the load to ensure it doesn’t exceed the animal’s carrying capacity.
Q: Can military saddles fit any size pack animal?
A: Many military saddles, like the Mark V Adjustable Tree Pack Saddle, are designed to adjust and fit varying back sizes, allowing for use on different kinds of pack animals. However, it’s always crucial to check the specific adjustability features and range of a saddle before using it on an animal.
Q: How are loads attached to military saddles?
A: Loads are attached to military saddles using hooks, loops, and ropes. The design of military saddles typically includes these components to secure varying sizes of loads effectively.
Q: Can military saddles be used in challenging conditions?
A: Yes, military saddles are designed to withstand demanding and challenging conditions. They are built to be durable, adaptable, and capable of carrying heavy loads, even in difficult terrains or weather. However, it’s always crucial to properly maintain and care for the saddle to increase its lifespan.
Q: How to maintain a military saddle?
A: Regular cleaning is vital to keep a military saddle in good condition. Depending on the materials used, it might require oiling or conditioning. It’s also crucial to regularly check for any damages or wear and tear and repair any issues promptly to keep the saddle safe and comfortable for the animal.
