History and Use in Indian Cavalry Regiments
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Sikh (Khatee) saddle was favored by some Indian cavalry regiments over the saddles used by British regiments in India. The reason for this preference was the exceptional comfort it provided to the horses, even under challenging conditions. By accommodating to their anatomy, the Khatee saddle helped to ensure the well-being of these vital military assets.
Officer’s Perspective: Probyn’s Horse
An officer from the esteemed Probyn’s Horse regiment wrote about the benefits of the Sikh (Khatee) saddle in a detailed account. He highlighted that the saddle was designed in such a manner that it would not cause any galling or irritation to the horse, even when used extensively during arduous military campaigns.
Importance of Proper Fitting: Avoiding Sore Withers
However, the officer also warned against adding any padding between the saddle and the horse, as this would compromise the fit and lead to sore withers – a painful condition affecting the horse’s back. To ensure the horse’s comfort and health, he recommended adhering to the original design and avoiding unnecessary alterations.
Panel and Seat
The panel and seat were combined, resulting in an innovative design. They were formed from a padded semi-circle called the koorjeen, which was made to match the contours of the horse’s back rather than providing a comfortable seat for the rider. Before delving deeper into the specifics of this unique design, let’s examine its key features.
The Koorjeen’s Role in Comfort and Fit
The koorjeen played a critical role in creating a comfortable and close fit between the saddle and the horse, prioritizing the horse’s welfare and making it easy for the rider to maintain balance.
Short Extension on the Sides
Despite only extending a short way down the sides of the horse, the panel and seat design still provided ample support without adding unnecessary bulk.
Elongated Bearing Surface
The panel and seat were elongated behind the cantle to offer an increased bearing surface, similar to the Cape fan saddle but crafted as a single piece. This feature maximized the distribution of weight across the horse’s back and ensured comfort during use.
Pommel and Cantle
The features of pommel and cantle make this saddle a unique choice, each serving a distinct purpose. The pommel was constructed as a high, firm projection and the cantle offered a rounded fit. Let’s investigate how these individual parts enhanced the overall saddle structure.
The Purpose and Function of the Pommel
The pommel, situated at a right-angle to the seat, served not merely as a design feature, but significantly enhanced the functionality of the saddle. Its high and firm design offered top-notch protection for the rider’s legs during battle scenarios. In addition, it granted a secure seat, contributing to the stability and balance of the rider.
The Role of the Cantle
Designed with a similar concept to the pommel, the cantle complemented its function but with a more personalized touch. It was rounded, specifically contoured to match the back of the rider’s seat. This feature did not just add to the aesthetic appeal, but also significantly enhanced the comfort of the rider and simplified the task of maintaining a firm seat while riding.
Skirt and Stirrups
The skirt and stirrups played a vital role in the overall design of this saddle, complementing both the aesthetics and functionality of it. Rounded skirts, often embellished with decorations, served as a rest for the rider’s knees and thighs while the stirrup leathers were suspended from them. The stirrups themselves were crafted as narrow horizontal platforms, providing robust support for the rider.
Enhanced Comfort with Decorated Skirts
The rider’s knees and thighs rested comfortably on the rounded skirts of the saddle. These skirts were not only practical but were often decorated, adding a touch of flair and personality to each saddle. They served as a rest for the rider’s lower body, providing comfort during rides.
Stirrup Leathers and Their Advantage
From these intricate skirts, the stirrup leathers were suspended, playing a pivotal role in the riding experience. They offered increased control over the horse’s movements, thus enhancing the balance and stability of the rider.
Secure Base with Narrow Horizontal Stirrups
The stirrups, designed as narrow horizontal platforms, provided an exceptionally secure base for the rider. This design choice substantially aided in manoeuvring and fighting while riding, enhancing the performance of the rider in various situations.
