History of the SaddleAs early as 4000 BCBareback- fringed cloths/pads (Assyrian Calvary- 700 BC) with girthHad tree before stirrupsEach country had their own style (German- sidesaddle, English, Western)Where Saddles OriginatedPeople rode bareback since domestication- first invented by Sarmations (365 AD)Developed to support in warfareDesigns branched to English and western mostlyHow to Make Leather SaddlesSaddle tree prolongs useful life of horseLeather tanning undeveloped- eventually resulted in soft, durable hidesFunctions and Status SymbolSaddles as status symbol to show off riders wealthWestern saddle evolved into working saddleProper care can extend useful life of saddle for decades evenFirst Synthetic FibersInvented by Joseph Swan early 1800sCame from cellulose liquidFormed by chemically modifying fiber contained in tree bark1885 Swan developed fabrics manufactured from synthetic materialSynthetic Tack EvolutionBecame popular material with endurance sportsSynthetic can be used in just about any kind of tackHalters commonly made from syntheticHow to Make Synthetic LeatherConsists of petroleum-based plasticizer, ultra violet light stabilizer, flame retardant solution, powdered vinyl, dyesPoured onto paper, baked to hardenAdded fabric backing, mold shape, print pattern onto synthetic leatherTests: wear and tear, stretch, fireSynthetic and Leather Pros/Cons
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