Penny May in Regimental Bridle with long-cheeked curb bit, breastplate, pistol holsters, Portuguese saddle and breeching based on an illustration by Cruso

Horse Kit

It is important that the materials used are as near to the authentic materials available in or around the 1640s. Tack was made out of leather, as today, but stainless steel had not been invented, so fittings were brass or iron, and saddles were akin to the traditional Portuguese saddles still in use today, nothing like a modern General Purpose saddle. Brushing and overreach boots, rubber or laced reins and modern breastplates or martingales are all, of course, unacceptable.

 

Bridle. Click for larger imageBridle

Brown leather with brass fittings, available through the regiment. Seventeenth century bits were very severe and so are rarely used during battles – the horses are generally ridden with their usual bits. Nosebands were rarely used so best avoided if possible. Bridles must be of flat leather with plain browbands and reins - obviously no rubber or nylon reins are used.

 

 

 

 

 

Portuguese saddle. Click for larger imageSaddle Cover or Saddle

Modern saddles must either be replaced or totally hidden. Saddle covers are available through the regiment, and Portuguese saddles can also be purchased. Portuguese saddles are almost identical to the great saddles used by cavalry during the civil wars. Obviously synthetic and/or brightly coloured girths are not permissible.

 

 

Saddle Blanket/Numnah

The regiment uses red saddle blankets as seen in the photograph. Modern numnahs etc such as polypads must not be visible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irons. Click for larger imageStirrup Irons

Reproduction stirrup irons are available through the regiment. Modern stainless steel stirrups are strongly discouraged.

 

 

Breastplate. Click for larger image.Breastplate

This is made from black leather with brass fittings and helps secure both the saddle and pistol cases. They are available through the regiment.

 

 

Holsters with Pistols

Black leather with brass fittings, these are secured onto the saddle and stabilised by the breastplate. The soft leather tops are pulled up and turned over the pistols to keep them dry in wet weather. They are available through the regiment and are designed so that the pistol butts face forward to facilitate cross drawing.

 

 

 

 
 

 

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