Global Horse Culture

Help a reader identify this saddle blanket

A reader sent me some pictures of a saddle blanket she has (see end of post for photos), and wondered if I could help her figure out where it is from. I asked a couple friends who know a bit about saddle blankets, and we hazarded a few guesses (below) but we didn't know for sure. Do you know?

Our guesses:

It's definitely not Native American, and it doesn't resemble any we've seen from Africa (such as Ethiopian or Morroccan).

The shape, with the pointed ends, is similar to some English cavalry saddle pads, and this might suggest it was made in an area where English influence was felt, such as India.

However, it also looks like the black outer area and zig-zag border are a newer and different material than the central portion, which appears to be old woven wool.

It has a slot which is typical of saddle blankets that are laid over the top of a high-pommeled or high-cantled wooden saddle frame, which is common in many regions of the world.

The geometric designs and floral motif are similar to some found in Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan, but again the shape is unusual for those regions and I have not seen any very similar.

Do any readers have ideas? If you have seen something similar please let us know! If possible include a link to an online image or webpage in your comment so we can take a look and compare.

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Thanks for your help!

New Search Tool

I've added Typepad's new Search tool on the right hand side. It works much better than the previous search tools. It makes it easy to find posts on all sorts of subjects that might not be covered by the categories. Enjoy!

Cutie Pie needs a name!

This is my new gelding, just arrived at the barn. In need of a barn name that's not too girlie! (Honeybunch, Sunshine, Daisy, Goldilocks, etc. have been vetoed already!) :D Feel free to make suggestions!!! I'll update when I've decided!

Update! Someone suggested Bo, which led us to think of Bodhi, like the tree the Buddha sat under, especially considering his very calm nature. So after much debating (Peanut, Dusty, Dolce, and more), we are going with "Bodhi." And I'm sure he'll just as often get called everything from "Sweetie" to "Idiot" depending on the day!!!

 

 

She Lives! - Sad Update: RIP Beam's Solo

Update: I'm sad to say Solo's neurological symptoms began to occur again, changing the diagnosis to a fast growing brain tumor. She was laid to rest this morning. I'll miss her terribly! Godspeed, dear Solo!

I nearly lost my dear horse last month. She was stricken by an aneurism (brain bleed) during a regular workout, and went instantly blind in one eye, as well as suffering violent tremors and mental confusion for several days. Thanks to the help of many wonderful vets, barn folks, friends and strangers she has made a full recovery (including regaining her sight after three weeks of blindness!). She will spend the rest of her life in retirement.  Thanks for all the great times, Solo!

Merry Christmas!

Three lovely horses in the 2008 La Jolla Christmas parade. From Abraxas3d's photostream on flickr.

Yin, Yang and Horses

I am a bit proud to have won a guest blogging competition on another horse blog! My winning article is now posted there - it's about a unique horsewoman who uses elements of Tai Chi to work with horses and people in creative ways. Check it out at Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch.

Guest Blogging Contest

Enlightened Horsemanship, a fellow blog, is holding a "guest blogger" competition, complete with prize! Take a look here for details. I'll be submitting an idea myself...which I will keep secret until I find out if I win or not! 

Updated Search and Upcoming Posts

Two news items for you:

1) I have updated my custom searches, found in the right-hand column of this blog. There are three distinct searches, each searching a select set of high quality websites on the subject, so you get the best and most useful answers to your questions.

Looking for more information on unusual horse colors? Try the Horse Color Search for some of the best informational websites on horse colors and genetics. This is a fun time-waster, too!

Looking for advice about your horse's training or behavior? Try the Horse Advice Search to see results from my favorite online advice resources.

Bored with riding circles in a ring? Try the Horse Sports Search for fascinating information about dozens of equestrian sports. From Horseball to Buzkashi, there's an equestrian sport for everyone.

2) Late July will bring a special feature to Global Horse Culture: a series of special reports, interviews and videos from Brazil. Posting will be light (but will continue) until then, as yours truly is off collecting information in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. (It's winter - wool sweaters are being packed.)

New Search Tool Added

As the content of this blog has grown, it seems useful to add a search feature. At the top of the right column you will now find a search box, which provides results only from this blog. Looking for all my posts about Arabians, Appaloosas, or Archery? Just use the search box. It's a useful alternative to the Categories, if you are looking for something specific.

Helping the World's Poorest

The Brooke is one of my favorite equine charities. They operate in some of the poorest countries in the world, trying to ease the suffering of the working equines belonging to the poorest people. Their approach goes beyond emergency intervention, as they put great effort into training programs for horse owners, farriers, harness makers, and local healers to teach methods of care that will help prevent undue suffering in these hardworking animals. Hundreds of veterinarians work for The Brooke, and programs are designed to teach everything from feeding and vaccinating to harness fitting. Check out their website and send a donation if you are so inclined.