The saddle bows are trapezoidal and covered with engraved metal plates. Nailed to the saddle horn is a hook for slinging the reins and for suspending a whip or a gnat repeller.
The quality and decorative design of the saddle and harness were indicators of their owner’s wealth, and a source of his/her pride. Women’s festive saddles were given special decoration. A horse with a full set of decorative trappings was part of a bride’s dowry; she rode it to the wedding ceremony.
Abstract by M.V. Fedorova