As with points of the horse, the nomenclature of the saddle and bridle varies from the obscure to the obvious. Item number 6 on the Horsemanship 1 test is:
- Identify simple parts of saddle and bridle
Parts of the English Saddle and Bridle
While it may seem a nuisance to memorize these terms, it is fairly important to know your billet strap from your browband, and your pommel from your panel. The Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship lists all the parts.The terms you need to know are listed below. See if you can match them to the parts of the saddle & bridle.
Saddle
- Pommel
- Waist (Twist)
- Seat
- Cantle
- Skirt
- Flap
- Billet Straps (Girth Straps)
- Buckle Guard
- Panel
- Girth
- Stirrup Bar
- Stirrup Leather
- Stirrup Iron
Bridle
- Crownpiece (Headpiece)
- Cavesson
- Noseband
- Cheekpieces
- Throatlatch (Throatlash)
- Runners
- Keepers
- Bit
- Rein
If you want to check your knowledge, here are a couple of kids' games for the saddle and bridle
Next week: Tacking up
Upcoming Courses
Mounted Combat Fundamentals
A series of six classes on the ground to teach the fundamentals of single- and two-handed longsword from the ground, prior to beginning swordplay on horseback.
Wednesdays 22 May – 26 June
7:30 – 9:30pm
Cost: $165 (6 classes)
Individual classes (space permitting): $75 each
Instructor: Dave Wayne
Riding Level 4+, Jumping
A six-class series for riders working on Level 4 and up with a focus on jumping gymnastics and stadium courses. Cross-country jumping included as weather permits.
Saturdays 1 June – 6 July
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Cost: $275 + gst
Individual classes: $55 ea, space permitting
Instructor: Isabel Landels
Prerequisite: Riding Level 3
Riding 3, Jumping
A six-class series for riders working on Level 3 with a focus on jumping and galloping position, poles, cross rails, and low fences. Riders may have the opportunity to ride out in the fields, weather permitting.
Saturdays 1 June – 6 July
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Cost: $275 + gst for 6 classes
Individual classes: $55 ea, space permitting
Instructor: Eleanor Landels
Prerequisite: Riding Level 2
Riding Level 1-2
This class is for participants who are able to tack up and untack independently and who are working towards their Riding Level 1 or 2.
Saturdays 1 June – 6 July
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Cost: $275 + gst for 6 classes
Individual classes: $55 ea, space permitting
Instructor: Eleanor Landels
Prerequisite: Horsemanship Level 1
Mounted Combat Arts Intensive
Our next Intensive has been scheduled for August! Sign up now to save your spot in this five-day, 50 hour week of riding, horsemanship and swordplay.
Wednesday – Sunday, 31 July – 4 August
9am – 7pm
cost: $1045 full day
$895 half day
Instructors: Jennifer Landels, Devon Boorman, et al
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.