Saddles have been used as tools to help horses and their riders create a stronger connection for hundreds of years. Luckily, they come in many different shapes, sizes, styles, types, and even materials that will best suit the needs of the rider and the job that the horse will perform. However, despite their original purpose, saddles can now be seen pretty much everywhere such as movies, songs, art, restaurants, and decorations. We even see components of the saddle in doctor’s offices or as jewelry.
The breadth of influence saddles have is so large that there is no way of knowing where my research and discoveries will take me. I could look at cultural influences, potential metaphors, the history of saddles, or even the types of materials. How does the design of a saddle influence the horse’s movements? What other technologies have saddles replaced or influenced? How did the way we use our horses influence the way saddles are made and how they look? How has culture changed the way saddles look and the materials we use?
As of right now, I think the research that will be the most fascinating is that from pop culture like songs and movies. There are so many ways a saddle, or the components of one, can be used to portray a certain image, invoke certain emotions, or even develop a specific mood. Saddles could even be used as metaphors for something (although I have now idea what). I’m very excited to begin my research and explore the various trends, ideas, and influences surrounding saddles.
Saddles as Technology 