(Another) Roman Saddle Question

[jvrjenivs]

The metal horns do not go on the outside as some have suggested (otherwise why have leather appliqué designs on the saddle covers?), so presumably go inside in some way as yet to be satisfactorily explained (but just because it hasn't been explained doesn't mean we all have to give up and opt for a shapeless beanbag).

Although I totally agree with your ideas here, I would say that isn't always the case. If we look at the set of horn-bronzes found at the Kops plateau Nijmegen, it seems there is a double set of horns, with plain ones for under the leather and decorated ones for on top of the leatherwork.

As for the carlisle saddle covers, of which I'm currently finishing a reproductions, there indeed is no sign of any horn-bronses on top of the leather.

It is furthemore worth noting that accompanied with some of these horn-bronses some metal bars have been found (Pers. comm. Harry van Enckevort) which are not fully published and recognised as such, but may well be metal components of the saddle tree.