saddle, seat for a rider on the back of an animal, most commonly a horse or pony. Horses were long ridden bareback or with simple cloths or blankets, but the development of the leather saddle in the period from the 3rd century bc to the 1st century ad greatly improved the horse’s potential, especially for war, by making it easier for a rider to keep his seat on the moving horse. The saddle probably originated in the societies of the Asian steppes (which were also the site of origin of the stirrup and horse collar) and received a high degree of development in medieval Europe, especially in France, as an indispensable element in the knightly shock combat of the feudal age.
Camel saddles, also an ancient device, were contrived to accommodate the animal’s hump or humps. Elephant saddles are proportionately large and resemble canopied pavilions. They are usually called howdahs (Hindi: hauda).
Modern saddles for horses are broadly of two types. The Western, sometimes called the Moorish, saddle has a high horn on the pommel, in front of the rider, which is useful for securing a lariat, and a large cantle, in back of the rider, to provide a firm seat for cattle-roping operations. The English, or Hungarian, saddle is lighter, flatter, and padded and was designed for sport and recreational uses.