The Mongolian Saddle Over Time
There are many rumors about the Mongolian saddle, suggesting it is supposedly very uncomfortable. In fact, this is not true. However, it must be acknowledged that it is not perfectly suited for tourism and trekking, but rather for work and war.
The origin of this saddle dates back to the great era of the Mongol Empire and the invasions carried out by the "Golden Hordes." The Mongolian saddle evolved over numerous military campaigns to perfectly meet the demands of warfare. These saddles featured high pommels (at the front of the saddle) and high cantles (at the back of the saddle) to prevent the warrior from falling off their horse during battle. The Mongolian saddles were also adorned with carvings and metallic decorations that reflected the art of the Mongol Empire, aiming to impress the armies or populations that the Mongol troops attacked.
Their shape and wooden panels were, and still are, perfectly adapted to the morphology of the Mongolian horse, which is similar to a double pony. The very rounded shape of the Mongolian horses' flanks makes it difficult, even today, to use and tighten a saddle of another model. The Mongolian saddle fits perfectly on the back of the Mongolian horse, and its panels (or padding) prevent it from slipping laterally, even when the warrior leans to the side to attack or protect themselves. Additionally, the raised seat provides the rider with great stability when standing in the stirrups.
The very rigid structure of the side panels allows the rider to have great precision in handling their mount using their legs or pelvis, which is imperative during battles. In Mongolia, the saddle and the stirrups are the two most important elements for riding.
The Mongols heavily relied on their mounts and saddles to wage and win wars. This reliance allowed the armies of the great Mongol Khans to conquer vast empires such as China and Russia, thanks to the strength of their cavalry.
At that time, saddle pads were simply fresh sheepskins, providing great flexibility and comfort for the horse. The skins were regularly changed, as many sheep were killed every night to feed the armies during their conquest campaigns.
Today, the skins have been replaced by thick felt pads.
Beyond the criteria of war, saddles also play an important role in Mongolian society. Horses are also used for racing, which remains a very popular sport in Mongolia today.
Finally, the Mongolian saddle represents art throughout the successive Mongol Empires. The saddles were decorated with delicate carvings or metal pieces forming beautiful patterns. These saddles represented the art of an empire that did not produce many other artistic artifacts, as the Mongols were a nomadic people who did not have the time to settle in one place and produce paintings or sculptures that they could not carry with them, regardless of their next destination.
The Mongolian Saddle: A Sacred Object
The Mongols have a strong cultural bond with horses and their saddles. For the Mongols, the saddle is more than just equipment used for riding; it is a symbol of power and prestige, often passed down from generation to generation. Mongolian riding saddles are also incredibly intricate and beautiful, featuring colorful embroidery and detailed beadwork.
Even today, the "masters" who craft these saddles continue an ancestral knowledge. The wood is meticulously chosen, each part of the saddle is carefully carved, polished, and fitted, and every piece is assembled with others solely using leather straps—no pegs or glue, just a perfect fit that determines the quality of the craftsmanship and the saddle. This skill is akin to art.
In Mongolian culture, the horse saddle is not only a symbol of wealth and status but also a work of art. For the Mongols, it is a source of pride and a reflection of their rich cultural heritage.
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