About Given Free Rein
Discover the stories, landscapes, and traditions that connect horses and humans around the globe.
Craftsmanship
The objects of the horse world — saddles, tack, dress, and silverwork — carry centuries of cultural knowledge. Stories on the craft, history, and tradition behind them.
Featured Story · Spain
Tack Through Time: A Comprehensive Guide to the Spanish Saddle and Its Variants
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The Side Saddle: An Evolution Shaped by Constraint, Craft, and Culture
The side saddle was not a decorative tradition but a technical response to social constraint. This article traces its evolution from medieval Europe to its peak in British hunting.
Tack Through Time: A Comprehensive Guide to the Spanish Saddle and Its Variants
From Moorish cavalry to modern dressage arenas, the Spanish saddle evolved to meet the demands of war, ranching, pilgrimage, and pageantry.
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New features on saddles, silverwork, and the objects of equestrian culture. Check back for the latest additions.
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