Saddle

Saddle, seat to support a rider on the back of an animal. Most horse saddles are leather and are held in place by a girth (strap) passing underneath the horse. Two stirrup-leathers (straps) support the stirrups in which the rider places his or her feet. The English saddle is light, almost flat, and often used by jockeys and horse-show riders. The Western saddle is heavier, has a raised frontal horn to which a lariat may be attached, and is most often used by cowhands and rodeo riders.