SADDLE FOR THE YOUTH

SPAIN or PORTUGAL c. 1700–1740

A finely stitched leather saddle decorated in two-colour leather work and nailed metal decorations in gilded bronze. The shape of the saddle and the fact that it is without the pommel, dates it around 1700’s. The pronounced arch and channel under the saddle would also suggest this period.

This youth saddle is a reminiscent of the knightly saddles where the tights and the front were protected and the back still rose pretty high to support the rider. This saddle is smaller in size than the regular saddles from this period so it would suggest it was made for a the noble or princely youth. The condition is very fine.