caliber
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Why do we mount?Why do we mount the horse by left side? I always wonder!
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Kerry W
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I think because swords were worn on the left leg (for easier access for the right hand), and was easier to swing the leg without the sword over the horse.
Maybe.
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The Professional
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| Kerry W wrote: | I think because swords were worn on the left leg (for easier access for the right hand), and was easier to swing the leg without the sword over the horse.
Maybe. |
This is the right answer, and we keep up with the tradition. I mount from the left side but if needed; from the right. It doesen't really matters to me. 
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caliber
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Thank you! that is exactly what i have heard too!
Also, why is the military saddles are open in the center? does anyone know?
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BigJ
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Felix, most saddles were open in the middle. There were covers thrown over for leg/seat protection that later became part of the saddle design as time went on. It depended on the design of the stirrup attachment and general comfort.
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The Professional
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| caliber wrote: | | Also, why is the military saddles are open in the center? does anyone know? |
I want to ad that, according of what I’ve read, in 1858 or so, (I wasn’t there at that time…) the US department of war, requested from Colonel Whitman (I remember his name because I had a saddle with his name as its brand), and General George B. McClelland to submit prototypes for a new cavalry saddle. The General McClelland entry was accepted as the official U.S. Cavalry saddle and became known as The McClelland- the one we call in Spanish “tereque.” If I’m not mistaken, he use the western saddle and combine with the English saddle, the space in the middle was for air circulation for they rode long distance in a long period of times. Good for the horses back and for soldier’s scrotum. Or so they say…
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BFF
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I guess we'll have to take your word for it on that one Professional.
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Kerry W
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It freaks people out when I mount from the right. Gotta love that! 
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The Professional
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| BFF wrote: | | I guess we'll have to take your word for it on that one Professional. |
Not necessarily, because that info applies only for the U.S. military saddle, but, long before that as you well say there were open-centered saddles with and without stirrups and they use Rugs and Carpets to cover the center as one can see it on the epic movies. A good example of these saddles could be the Australian stock saddle.
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Marleen Robinson
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About saddles, I have a cavalry saddle I still use. Other than the fittings, it is supposed to be original. Leather is stamped, dated 1918. I love that saddle!
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BFF
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| Quote: | | Good for the horses back and for soldier’s scrotum. |
 I meant this part
Just trying to be funny........
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The Professional
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| BFF wrote: | | Quote: | | Good for the horses back and for soldier’s scrotum. |
I meant this part
Just trying to be funny........ |
Sheesh... I didn't realize it, I guess I was unintentionaly too graphic...  Poor me  No but really, it helps. Thanks BBF you make my day 
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Moniece
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Very interesting conversation! I love to read things like this and learn! Please keep these types of conversations coming! You all are awesome
! Your friend,Moniece
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