"Kashghar" saddles

daryush · Post by **daryush** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:44 pm

Hi all.

Doing a quick google search looking for Asian saddles I came across the following pictures:

http://imageshack.us/g/233/2vii06b.jpg/

So I got the impression that these saddles are still being made in places. Several of the photos I think, were taken in Western China.

Can anyone confirm if this is the case (that these saddles are still being made), and if so, if there is any way to import them?

Alternatively, does anyone have any construction details for saddles like these?

Thanks

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:18 pm

I think the saddles are still made in Uzbekistan. One of those pictures is not a Central Asian saddle, but one from one of the ethnic minorities in China.

Zarasp · Post by **Zarasp** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 12:55 pm

Hi daryush , are you from Iran? your name is.

i can see only 3 of the pictures here, these saddles are still in use in some parts of Pakistan, Usbekistan, Afghanistan & Iran, but to find a well-built new one is hard.

I kinda grew up on these saddles, they are not used anymore in todays horse riding places in Iran because the new saddles are easier to use, if you want brand new ones , it is difficult, but if you want second hand i can find them for you , if you dont need a FETRAAG (horn in front) you can buy similar ones in south of Iran,

daryush · Post by **daryush** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:22 pm

Zarasp wrote:Hi daryush , are you from Iran? your name is.

i can see only 3 of the pictures here, these saddles are still in use in some parts of Pakistan, Usbekistan, Afghanistan & Iran, but to find a well-built new one is hard.

I kinda grew up on these saddles, they are not used anymore in todays horse riding places in Iran because the new saddles are easier to use, if you want brand new ones , it is difficult, but if you want second hand i can find them for you , if you dont need a FETRAAG (horn in front) you can buy similar ones in south of Iran,

سلام

من ایرانی نیستم، ولی‌ پیش از دو صد سال اجدد من ایرانی‌ بود. بعدن اجددم به هند رفت، و حالا ما در انگلستان زندگی‌ می‌کنیم. من فارسی را یاد میگیرم، ولی‌ فارسی من خیلی‌ خوب نیست

Thanks for the info! What are they like to use?

Please send me any photos you have, I love collecting photos of horse tack.

Thanks!

Zarasp · Post by **Zarasp** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:36 pm

Zartoshti hasti? Parsi , dar Hendoostan, man ham KOHAN DIN hastam ajdad man Pahlawi hastand , az sistaan.

these saddles are not very easy for people who are not used to them , you us more muscle power, you are a bit higher than modern saddles, but they are great in some aspects , I dont have pics of this particular saddle , i will ask friends,

you may also find this interesting:

http://www.radpour.com/sassanian-roman-saddle

i have Iranian horse bits, Buzkashi, shekari, Sistaani, Kordi, if you are interested i can take some pictures.

daryush · Post by **daryush** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:13 pm

I'm well aware of the Sassanian four horned saddle and Ardeshir's late cataphract impression. Funny co-incidence - I'm looking for the Sassanian style of saddle that be seen in some later artworks with a high pommel and cantle.

I'm also working on a Sassanian impression and am just starting to get equipped - will keep you updated if interested.

I believe these are all Sassanian artefacts. Do you happen to know anything more about these saddles?

(even though I'm aware that these newer Asian saddles arent' the saddles depicted here ... probably a different construction as I reckon these ones were made with 4 pieces of wood and a strip of rawhide or something, but I find these horned Asian saddles really beautiful as well)

Pictures would be great, if it is no trouble, thanks

Na, man zartoshti nistam, khanvade-ye-man Eslami hastend vali man mazhabi nistam.

Man fekr mikonam ke besyar az zartoshtian dar Gujarat dar hend zendegi bekonand. vali ma az Bihar hastim.

Man dar bareye "Kohan Din" nemidunam, che hast?

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 11:15 pm

I have one of these saddles from the nineteenth century. Constructionally, they are made from four of five pieces of wood glued together. Mine was reinforced with sinew and covered with birch bark for waterproofing. The birch bark was painted and varnished. There were bone inlays and twisted wire was inlaid into the bone. The saddle weighed about three kilograms. It needs a surcingle and a saddle pad made of two stuffed panels sewn to an upper cloth. The stirrup leathers go through the slots and the surcingle goes over the seat of the saddle behind them. You can see this in the photographs.

There is probably a strong relationship between these saddles and an earlier Turkish type with an eared pommel. There is one of these associated with Boris Gudonov in the Kremlin Armoury.

Mine was used by an Australian horse breaker one afternoon and his comment as an experienced endurance rider was that they had great potential for people who spent all day in the saddle. As Zarasp wrote, they do not feel comfortable immediately when you switch from an European style saddle.

Zarasp · Post by **Zarasp** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 11:03 am

Bede you are in possession of a great piece of equipment, what you describe is very hard to find. i hope you enjoy your rides with it.

something i forgot to mention before is the value of the horn in front, this is a very functional piece that can help you jump on the saddle, tie the reins in case you need (horse archery, mace & weapon use) & as in our tradition a place to tie the KAMAND, or lariat in English.

@Daryush : "kohan din" mamande zartoshti kohan ast.