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I am not certain if there are any extant examples of strap style barding, though I had "heard" tablet woven straps were sometimes used in horse harness or tack but I have yet to find proof of that as well.

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Have a look-see at this. It is the King's Champion's saddle currently held in the possessions of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers by the generosity of the present Queen's Champion, Lt. Col. J.L.M. Dymoke, MBE, DL, Lord of the Manor of Scrivelsby.

It is written that this saddle was most likely used last during the coronation of George III in the 1760s. The style of the saddle, from other examples and drawings from various 16th and 17th c riding manuals, suggests to me that it may be from the 1600s.

The current saddle, pictured above is of leather covered with red silk velvet and ornamented with silver-gilt lace, braid, and fringe.

I have a dialog going with the Company of Saddlers. If you wish, I can ask them if they know about tablet weaving on horse barding.

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It is written that this saddle was most likely used last during the coronation of George III in the 1760s. The style of the saddle, from other examples and drawings from various 16th and 17th c riding manuals, suggests to me that it may be from the 1600s.

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I quite agree, it looks very much like the saddles in woodcuts from Pluvinel's and the Duke of Newcastle's books. It also looks a great deal like the tack still used by the Lipizzans for their performances.

What a beautiful piece of art, I just can't bring myself to call it tack.

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I have a dialog going with the Company of Saddlers. If you wish, I can ask them if they know about tablet weaving on horse barding.

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Anything you can learn would be most appreciated.

Brenna

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Originally posted by Fire Stryker:
It is written that this saddle was most likely used last during the coronation of George III in the 1760s. The style of the saddle, from other examples and drawings from various 16th and 17th c riding manuals, suggests to me that it may be from the 1600s.

The current saddle, pictured above is of leather covered with red silk velvet and ornamented with silver-gilt lace, braid, and fringe.

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Hi Jenn, I was wondering if you could tell me more information on the texts you referred to? I'd love to read those manuals you mentioned and get references for 16th & early 17th century saddles.

L'escuirie de S. Frederic Grison Grisone, Federico (1615) My notes: French horsemanship, Translated from the Italian into French. Based on Italian Horse master of the Neopolitan School, Federigo Grison (1555).

There is also a German version/facsimilie from 1579. This one shows saddles and airs above ground. Of the three, it is probably the best to get an idea of what they trainers are doing. But you have to be able to read German and in a Fette Fraktur font. UGH!!!

Easier on the eyes:

A General System of Horsemanship http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0851317596/qid=1127760989/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-9812035-1916719?v=glance&s=books

The Maneige Royal by Antoine de Pluvinel. I haven't personally seen this one except in passing, but it is a good addition to your "history of riding collection".

Along with "Royal Horse and Rider" (art) and School of Horsemanship by Francois Robichon (de la Gueriniere). (1723-1726). Shows the original French and a translation. Very nice book if you can find it.

Hold Fast, Sit Sure! History of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. the image at the beginning of this thread is from that book. I believe the Company holds the saddle in their collection. You might be able to write them and get more information about it. They are on the web.
http://www.saddlersco.co.uk/

I will look in my book and get you the page and reference number if they have it listed.

Hope this helps,

Jenn

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I think the French version of Grisone is still available. I think someone even put it online somewhere (scans of the pages so you can't pull the text). I bought mine through ABE.

J

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