(Another) Roman Saddle Question

[Crispvs]

In addition to the possible saddle tree component from Carlisle, I am sure I recall seeing the clear marks of the bars of the saddle frames, impressed onto both of the saddle covers from Carlisle, The extant flaps on the covers, which would have hung down over the horses' sides, argued against the saddles having been sewn under. The stitched edges of the cover from Valkenburg that Connolly had theorised might be sewn to missing pieces which passed under the frame to enclose it were shown from the Carlise evidence to be the edges to which the flaps mentioned above were sewn, strongly suggesting that the Valkenburg cover had lost its flaps. This then allows for the possibility that the saddle covers could be removed from their frames, which might also suggest a reason why some metal 'stiffener' plates had names punched or scratched into them. If the cover was removed they would be visible.

I like Mike's suggestion of the horns of the frame being little more than pegs. Having stuffed horns mounted on pegs might allow for stuffing to be tailored to the rider's shape and size with the stiffeners stitched to them to maintain the correct shape. If the horns were effectively tailored to the rider's shape that would also be a good reason for them to be labelled with ownership marks. If the Carlisle covers are anything to go by, some saddle covers might have been repaired several times throughout their lifetimes, necessitating each time the temporary separation of cover and frame, which would then need to be matched up again.

Alternatively, as it is likely that cavalrymen would have walked alongside their horses for a proportion of the time rather than riding them the length of a long journey, could it have been the case that saddle covers were removed when on foot to allow the frame to perform some carrying function which was easier to do with the frame exposed.? Given that some stiffener plates are embossed with raised lines, it might suggest that they were expected to be visible at least part of the time.
As Mike says, the applique patches on the horn parts of the covers argue against their being covered by the metal plates, leaving the frame the only place these sometimes decorated pieces might be displayed.

Crispvs