Medieval saddle: What is it like to ride in a medieval war saddle?

What's it like to ride in a medieval war saddle?
Jason tests his finished war saddle and compares the way it rides to how modern saddles feel and demonstrates how it all works.
Credits:
Gossamer
Director, Camera, Sound, Editor Kasumi
Presenter Jason Kingsley OBE
@ModernHistoryTV
@RebellionJason
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[@auntfanny3266]

I am not very horse-orientated (I am ashamed to say I am somewhat frightened of them) but I felt very emotional watching Gossamer: she really is extraordinarily beautiful. How lucky you are, and how lucky she is.

[@michaelh6289]

Fear not, horses are great.

[@auntfanny3266]

@@michaelh6289 Oh, I totally agree! But I am always aware of their size and like to keep a fence between us!

[@michaelh6289]

@@auntfanny3266 I've been riding for 58yrs. Check out a local stables. You'll be glad you did

[@auntfanny3266]

@@michaelh6289 Thank you. I am lucky enough to live in a very rural area where horses are a big part of everyday life. I shall content myself with admiring their beauty from this side of the fence. 😊

[@emmahandy1512]

@@auntfanny3266 in a field I will still stay away from a horse as I don't know their personality, but from behind a fence or at riding stables when you can see what they're like they're very nice to be with. I don't know if you have pet a calm horse but it can be quite relaxing, of course just watching them is nice in itself like fish in an aquarium :)

[@gailbolton4891]

I am always so pleased to see the care, concern and love you show to your horses. Just as any knight in shining armor ought to do. Every loving "good girl" and "good boy" just seems to do my heart good.

[@paulaschroen3954]

Seeing the saddle designed for comfort and security, different from shows about competitive riding skill.

[@lopez.jacinto.6726]

I never thought Denethor could be so nice.

[@oneparticularlysmartape]

LMFAO!!!

[@kayfrenly5460]

The movies made him much, much worse than he was in the books. In fact, iirc he was rather noble and good in the books. I don't think he even died.

[@joshuaarcher8577]

@@kayfrenly5460 I'm pretty sure he died in the books as well.

[@kayfrenly5460]

@@joshuaarcher8577 He could have. I remember him living though. I read the books 3 times and listened to them once. I should be able to say for sure.. but I can't lol. I recommend them on audiobook if you haven't listened yet. It's like a different experience. Narrator sings to you :)

[@andreacalisi4699]

I love how you always list your horse in the credits!

[@heytheregeorgeygirl]

Paid handsomely with hay for her performance!

[@darkenfell39]

That saddle looks better fitted than most saddles these days, I often see the front of the tree pinching the withers which in turn traps the nerve (brachial plexus I believe). Gossamer is a gorgeous horse.

[@debbylou5729]

Yes, I know it’s been r years. The saddle was made for that specific horse, as were the cinches. How astute to think it fits

[@gaberthesnipergaming8335]

I really love how you can see just by your face as you speak how much you love what you are talking about! Really love the channel! You have given me so much perspective on little things I never even came close to thinking about! Keep up the amazing content and thanks for uploading :)!

[@1AGRIPPINAONE]

Gaber, you explained with your words just what I felt whilst watching the video. Love this channel.

[@Lkady]

She looks amazing with the red...suits her very wel :D...

[@konradvonschnitzeldorf6506]

red and black goes really well

[@kengamble8595]

These videos do two things to me. They make my heart swell with the beauty of that gorgeous girl and it also makes my heart ache some reminding me of my great Lad that I can no longer ride ! Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@ModernKnight]

Lovely sentiments.

[@riptherion7193]

All of your horses are beautiful but Gossamer is...wow!

[@Gabu_]

I know what you mean, black horses are stunningly beautiful.

[@riptherion7193]

I agree, I read a lot of Walter Farley growing up and always have had a soft spot for black horses.

[@biggestchungus9032]

I think ghost is the best looking. He's just so muscular and beautiful, he looks like the ideal warhorse.

[@blackwater4707]

She is gorgeous!

[@virglibrsaglove]

"Have some hay, sweetheart." Pat, pat. So sweet.

[@angelinabrown2931]

Red against her black coat! 😍 Again, I love your relationship with your horses. Gossamer is such a terrific lady.

[@madenkind]

After seeing the phone in that medival pouch I had the silly idea of a video call on a horseback:"Yes, I'm coming, can't you see me already riding up the hill? You should see me already with my vibrant new saddle! Oh, I bet all the damsels will faint away, YOLO!"

[@jmp912]

I imagine it will take Gossamer a while to become used to the second girth further back... The red is amazing on her. :)

[@melodeejackson3330]

Even though I have no interest in horses, I love listening to you talk about the saddles. Thanks for these videos!

[@schniebling12]

it is an absolute pleasure seeing you interact with your horses. They are very lucky to have such an amaying owner! And we are lucky to receive these amazing videos. Thank you for your work!

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure!

[@MissKristiLee]

What a frisky girl! The way you describe how it feels so deep reminds me of western saddles and despite their size they really do make you feel grounded to the horse. Thanks for another great video!

[@connorbloop3826]

I feel like this should be on the history channel. Very high quality videos.

[@davidekstrom9595]

Such a great host, I love how passionate he is in all of this, he lives the mid evil time, he doesn't just speak about it

[@casandrahampton376]

Firstly, it's awesome Gossamer is in the credits. You're such a wholesome and thoughtful person! I love your insights, they were very thorough and well-thought out, as always. My mother's maiden name was Sattler, and I have to say I'm quite proud, almost, seeing my ancestor's trade craft so lovingly detailed. Thank you. I've always thoroughly enjoyed your channel, and thank you kindly for sharing with us.

[@ModernKnight]

I always think the horses should get credits!

[@casandrahampton376]

@@ModernKnight I agree! Cheers! I'll always be a subscriber & always eagerly looking towards your next upload!

[@roxdream88]

Thank you very much for sharing this awesome video, sir. It's very very interesting and full of informations about medieval saddles. Gossamer is gorgeous and the saddle is so beautiful!! It would be great a video about the different bits that were used in the Middle Ages, and that you use for your horses too. I'm learning a lot thanks to your videos!

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

She looks so stunning in her beautiful red gear...and doesn’t she know it😍

[@JFrameMan]

Hands down the best history show

[@Lady_Crispr]

Gossamer is so freaking beautiful.

[@DragonFang409]

Love watching the sheep’s reactions

[@arjii2070]

XD, same! :D

[@angelinabrown2931]

"Yep. There he is, riding one of the horses again. Does he have grain? No? Grass it is, then."

[@Joepeoplesvii]

Stumbled onto this series two weeks back and love it. Put together very nicely. I hope it keeps up even with the relatively low viewership.

[@ssl3546]

LOL dude the guy gets 300k to 400k views on most of his videos, that would be an excellent number for a show on a mid-tier cable TV channel like A&E.

[@candaces3959]

What a beautiful horse Gossamer is! I have always been interested in the Medieval era and love that you present so much history of it.

[@riyall298]

I admire his loving and sensitive approach to horses as well as his expertise. And Gossamer is such a beauty, especially dressed in red :)

[@lynnettejalufka2682]

Beautiful saddle. I'm surprised by the similarities between it and a western saddle, which sometimes has a back cinch, depending on what the horse is doing. The stirrups are always getting in the way.

[@allysmith2284]

Lynnette Jalufka was just thinking that...... welcome to western saddle life 😂 #arghstirrups

[@lynnettejalufka2682]

@@allysmith2284 Except for a semester on beginning jumping in college, I've rode western all my life.

[@allysmith2284]

Lynnette Jalufka I assumed as much! It was more aimed at Jason Lol

[@ModernKnight]

I have no experience of Western riding, but it sounds quite similar in many ways.

[@Cissy2cute]

The western saddle evolved from the medieval war saddle and adapted to be a working saddle--a job it does well. I myself prefer a hunt saddle as the western has just too much thickness and provides less "feel" of the horse underneath my seat. Wonder how he would rate the modern western saddle.

[@tlclark9260]

I am so delighted you did this. I've been intrigued at the comfy factor. If only one would not be squished in a fall, I think I'd prefer that style!

[@-smp-scientificmethodpersp838]

This is the best channel ever, whether online or television

[@aetherograph]

Hearing you talk about the fact that this saddle is difficult to quickly get out of makes it very clear how Ser Willas Tyrell ended up trapped under his horse in that tourney.... Thank you for the info! I was pointed here by a fellow writer looking for info on what kinds of saddles a dragon might need.

[@jackrobinson1073]

Damn I love this channel. This would be an amazing documentary series. Thanks!

[@TuckerSP2011]

Gossamer is so beautiful and spirited. Her movements are delightful. Thank you for your insight into medieval riding!

[@marylarsen2288]

"She's got her winter coat on." And it looks beautiful!

[@leza6288]

My Goodness Gossamer is magnificent!!!

[@bcaye]

As usual, very interesting and I enjoy your enthusiasm and the obvious care and trust/training between you and your beautiful horses.

[@capitantilapia]

Amazing channel, mate. God bless you.

[@nmccutcheon2243]

Gossamer looks glorious in red! Love the tunic too. I so look forward to these new videos. Thanks Jason.

[@SigneofHorses]

Oh.. and I tie up my stirrups to the back, brushing of most of the mud.. works for me!

[@MagisterialVoyager]

Another lovely video. I admire your dedication and real joy in making this series. Keep up the good work!

[@betsysmall3576]

She looks great in red!!

[@sassytbc7923]

I love watching you interact with your horses. You are so loving towards them.

[@MichaelaFairy]

It is wonderful to know this about medieval saddle and it is really beautiful.

[@jakedavenport8766]

Very informative and well made video, loved it.

[@Angelaius]

Omg idk why I didnt find this page earlier but nevermind I here. I wrote my thesis about a late renaissance armour for rider and horse by an Italian goldsmith Lucio Piccinino and when I went to the museum (KHM Wien) to examine this armour and others I saw many saddles with thoose thin girths and even if I am a horse person I didnt understand how it worked even I knew It worked because people were amazing back in time, but in your video I saw how nice it was and worked perfectly.

[@user-os7kv5uq7f]

One can see how much your horses love you 😍

[@poponachtschnecke]

I keep rewatching these because his horses are so beautiful

[@ModernKnight]

thanks

[@frenzyviz6296]

So interesting. History coming alive. I must say I thought you looked very comfortable and secure.

[@jonathanpresson777]

I am stricken by how similar a medieval saddle seems to a western saddle. Really would love to try one some day.

[@ModernKnight]

You should if you get a chance, and I agree, though I have very little experience with Western riding.

[@Sugaree43]

You can see you are comfortable and closer contact. It looks amazing id love to try one.

[@nedimgunay2967]

Superb video as usual thanks for all the effort.

[@nic_asg]

This was a really cool video. Watching just this one was enough to make me subscribe! Excited to watch more!

[@antoinettehatchell2052]

She’s so beautiful ! Lady in Red.. Great Video! Love the history ! 💞💞💞🥰

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Oh it's beautiful!

[@deannadeel7012]

I like how he always credits his horses in the description.

[@robertrobert7924]

Feeling connected to your horse is so wonderful, as if you are one being and can communicate non-verbally.

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Beautiful Gossamer!

[@Beryllahawk]

I wonder, if it was that much more difficult or slow to get out of the saddle - I don't imagine records would necessarily tell us - if some deaths were caused by this design? I know that even with modern saddles if something awful happens (and in battles that's going to be quite likely) and the horse goes down - if you can't get off the saddle, you might be injured or even killed. So if a warrior's horse were to be shot out from under him - or put a foot wrong - might he be killed because he couldn't get out of the saddle? Or would he still be thrown? The saddle is absolutely lovely! And Gossamer seems to be as comfortable in it as you are, which is also lovely. Thank you for such a great video!

[@ModernKnight]

Look up how William the Conquerer died! Also Richard III May have been killed whilst on his horse in a saddle like this.

[@allysmith2284]

Wow wow wow that saddle!!! Talk about stunning 🥰 I wasn’t expecting red but it is perfect 😊 Gossamer will look so smashing in it!

[@virginiamoss7045]

That horse has wonderfully smooth gaits at trot and canter; looks to be quite comfortable to ride her. The more important question is how comfortable is that saddle for the horse. Also, how quickly could you bail if you had to? It's nice to be more held to the saddle, and therefore the horse, but it's also restricting.

[@carlajenkins1990]

How long has it been since you did any serious riding, not just shooting a piece of video? Every spring, I had to let Blaze get his run out. He had not been out of the corral since November--and by mid-February--he would be full of prance and dance. So I would sit the prance and dance the 500 yards to the canal bank. (Lowline Canal in Idaho) Then, I would allow him to hand gallop the half mile down to the King place. Since there was a big gate, he would willing turn around and run back home. By the time he had done the mile, he wouldn't fight me so hard about coming back to a walk. Then, I'd turn him back around and set off on a canter on his right lead. When I noticed him looking up to see if I was willing to slow down (a horse looks up with his ears) I'd bring him back to a walk. Happy, he'd blow out real hard a time or two. And we'd do a nice long flat-footed ambling walk. Vigorously, he'd shake his head. I miss the ole boy.

[@lynnegee6814]

The question of the horse's comfort (under the new saddle) was dealt with in a previous video, where he was checking the fit of the naked saddle tree before it was send to be covered. Be reassured, Jason worries more about his equine friends' welfare than his own. Good man!

[@BritishTexan]

It looks like a very comfortable saddle, indeed. The way you sit on the horse reminds me of the way you sit with a western saddle, being back further on the horse than with a hunt seat. Also, I was wondering if you noticed any beginning of chafing on Gossamer where the girth cinches onto the strap, as there seemed to be no protection between her skin and the buckle. Thanks for sharing another astounding video with us out here in youtube land.

[@iskisenna]

i was wondering that myself. Did the medieval knights not use saddle cloths?

[@ModernKnight]

I will add a saddle cloth to protect her, I think it’s better than without

[@wobblysauce]

Depends on the shape/location of the buckles... most are not in a pressure point.

[@4759MB]

Your So Lucky To Own Such A Beautiful Horse Like Her

[@Kaatastrophe]

With baroque saddles there is usually a ring with leather strands to hang your stirrups up on, just like you demonstrated. So I guess it is meant to be done that way here too. :)

[@richieh80]

Keep up the good work , great channel. 👍🏻

[@brianwallis3991]

I love this series of videos!

[@persephone2706]

Such a beautiful gaited beast. Had a horse just like her, my first gaited one too. He was lovely.

[@user-os7kv5uq7f]

Gossamer is a beautiful mare❤

[@flee4342]

Once again. Excellent video.

[@emileedavis8379]

Great video. Very interesting that the riding style with this saddle is more like the western saddle. Further back with a deeper seat. Love how frisky Gossamer was and how you were still just great with her handling.

[@firstwavepuresoul]

Brilliant!....that saddle will hold you nice and secure when jousting. The girths stand out from a distance but when Gossamer is caparisoned you wont see them. Gotta love the red against the black tho! Your device being red and white will complete the picture!

[@koltenmason3709]

I have horses my self and this is great 👏🏻🙌🏻

[@WendyLifeStudio]

I love making medieval saddle horse armor knight!!!!❤️🥰😍

[@SigneofHorses]

First of all congratulations on getting the new saddle! It is always a moment to have a shiny new piece of tack. The red is awesome!! Your outfit made me smile, it reminds me of my training outfit. Even though I'm more vikingage of early medieval orientated, we look very similar with a tunica and a belt and pouch over jeans and boots😂. To see you riding in it looked very very medieval, Gossamer is a stunning horse. Hope to see more of your vidoes and I'd love your view on earlier saddle or a video of the history of saddles...

[@briley672]

What a lucky girl! Gossamer, Lady in Red. Cause she likes to "dance" with you. ;D

[@ayamoth8925]

hi! Will we have an episode about medieval hunting? We know from medieval paintings and writes that hunting was a very important aspect of medieval life both for rich and poor people. What weapons were used, what preys? How did nobles use horses in that activity? Thank you very much for your beautiful show

[@redtomcat1725]

I know very little of horses but what a stable you must have. Beautiful well kept, and well behaved. I see you have an honest affection for them and they for you.

[@kiragarvie]

If i am ever in England my dream would be to just see him in full kit riding down a country lane

[@maryschmitz7817]

Wonderful video. Good informative history lesson. MLS

[@lwolfstar7618]

I get the feeling you would really like Australian stock saddles.

[@clasdauskas]

Sort of the best of both worlds: more support than 'English' Saddles, less damage tot he horse than Western.

[@BrushQuill]

Very interesting. Brilliant to watch this type of living archeology/history.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you .

[@kathyf3656]

Great video. (And a great horse.) I'm impressed with the amount of work that goes into such a saddle. -----It is strange how some things are developed by different people at different times. I write fantasy fiction and long before I saw any of your videos or knew what a war saddle looked like, I "developed" a saddle for my fantasy army that had a high cantle and pommel so the men were secure in the saddle and could more easily fight with both hands. Then I watch your videos and saw that other people thought of that design long before I did. LOL

[@deejayk5939]

Can’t get out if problems ? You must trust your horses! You are such an amazing rider.

[@trentroth6717]

I ride horses and I just got a medieval saddle from the 14th century (replica) and it is my favorite saddle.

[@ModernKnight]

excellent!

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Where did you get this saddle made? It's incredible!

[@windigowhispers]

Now i want one

[@itsthescene]

I am curious where you get your saddles from. I am from the USA and was trying to look into where to get quality medieval jousting saddles.

[@kimberleysmith818]

Love these videos. I studied history at university and I adore historical films, books fact and fiction and KZbin videos. I was unfortunately able to work in the field I love, maybe one day but it will always be my passion and I love watching others with that passion. I have says been most interested in the people of history but not much about the knights, but I’m loving these vids :).

[@kimberleysmith818]

Have always been interested* that should say!

[@MissPrewett]

You (or the neighbours) have some adorable sheep!

[@gustavchambert7072]

Maybe it's just the tunic, but the association I got when you got on the horse was "portrait of mounted nobleman, anytime between 1600 and 1750". The posture is very similar.

[@13bravoredleg18]

I used to ride my Belgian with a Royal Canadian Mounted Police saddle. Everybody thought I'd lost my mind but it was very comfortable!

[@southernwanderer7912]

I'm a new subscriber this week. I'm hoping to be able to binge on your videos when I have more time. You do an incredible series of videos and I've already shared some of them with people I know. That saddle does look fantastic. Can you give a shout-out to the person or company who is making them for you? They do an excellent job. Based on the pros and cons, do you prefer the older Medieval period saddles or the newer saddles? Are those your sheep?

[@andyknightwarden9746]

Why am I not surprised that it was both comfortable and beautiful? We scoff at the medieval period for the lack of creature comforts and manufacturing capability that are now available to us in the modern day but fail to understand the absolute mastery required by craftsmen in that time to create quality products that can last for a lifetime.

[@NimrodFowl]

I love this channel! Discovered it a few days ago and watched almost every video! Jason, could you please make a video showing more of the differences between modern saddle and medieval one? Like how do you get on the horse, how do you sit - in comparison, do you hold on to a horse with your knees? Also is there a difference when you trot?

[@ModernKnight]

There is a video on that,.

[@johnaitken7430]

Wow!

[@BarbaraGin]

You could put the stirrup leather upside down with the buckle against the stirrup facing away from your ankle. Much more comfy on your thights and less chance of damaging the saddle skirt with the moving buckle.

[@FloydGerman]

Nice

[@geraldtakala1721]

She has a nice way of going

[@exact109able]

queens of hearts

[@fionasinclair6977]

i feel like my custom aussie saddle provides the security and comfort you associate with the mediaeval saddle without compromising the ability to get on and off. great info. my heart is buried somewhere in the 14th century...