Mongolian traditional saddle

Description

The main parts of the classic Mongolian saddle

The buureg (pommel and cantle)

The pommel and cantle are both translated as “buureg” in Mongolian. The pommel looks like a shape of rising sun. So Mongolians call it “sun buureg”. Also, the cantle looks like a first quarter moon. So it called “moon buureg”. The pommel is fairly vertical and the cantle is low (sloping). Which makes the saddle more comfortable for the rider. Pommel and cantle are usually painted in red.

The khyar (ridge of pommel and cantle)

Khyar is a type of ornament that is adjusted to be nailed along the upper edges of the pommel and cantle. Deer antlers, polished iron, and bone can all be used to make the Khyar. The Khyar, which made of silver or brass and decorated with traditional ornaments, is unique decorative saddle’ use. Bone and metal nails would be used to secure it.

The havtas (seat jockey)

There will be a wooden panel called Havtas under the pommel and cantle. This panel will hold the fender, cinches, and saddle strings. The Havtas with well-sloped edges keep the horse’s back safe from being crushed.

The ganzaga (saddle string/leather strap)

Ganzaga refers to the leather straps that hang from the seat jockey’s edges (saddle string). The ganzaga is made of dense leather that is 50 cm-60 cm long, 0.5 cm wide, and 0.3 cm-0.4 cm thick. These straps should be used to shorten reins, tie up a horse whip, and for a number of different purposes.

The baavar (silver plates)

The decorations on the seat jockey’s edges are known as Baavar, they cover the fixtures.

The olontsog (Seat cushion)

The soft felt padding seat cushion will be mounted on the wooden seat of the saddle. Four pieces of Baavar will be used to secure the olontsog to the wooden seat.

Devs (small saddle cushion/fender/mat)

The devs is designed to keep the riders’ skin and clothing from deteriorating. The devs is made of thick fabric and leather.

The gulum (saddle cloth/flap)

The gulum is a leather flap that protects the horse’s belly from the effects of stirrup iron and leather belts. It also protects the rider’s shoes from the sweat of the horse.

The olom & jirem (girth)

The olom is usually made of braided horse tail fur, while the jirem is made of leather. There will be front and back olom. Same for Jirem. These will keep the saddle in place on the horse.