D's on Saddles De-Mystified

Most modern saddles will come with two D’s each side at the front of the saddle. Why two? What is the difference? What should they be used for? Master Saddler and Master Saddler Fitter Kay Hastilow explains ...

The topmost D is what saddlers call a drop fall staple. This D is attached by a strong bifurcated nail which goes right through the tree of the saddle, opening out both ways on the underside of the tree. The lower D is held on with a piece of leather doubled around it, which is then stapled to the tree lower down. 

Please remember that the position of both D’s is relative to the shape of tree, flap and panel. They will be higher on a tree with short tree points, lower on a deep tree with long points. Therefore, we don’t use measurements between D’s as any form of width assessment. It could be totally different with one tree /saddle type to another. 

So, why do we need two D’s each side? Which should be used for what? The first and primary use is to attach some form of breastplate to help prevent the saddle from moving back. IT IS ESSENTIAL that such breastplates are attached to the drop fall staple, the higher one that goes right through the tree. If there is any pull at all on this, the drop fall should hold it, whereas the D on a leather wrap, which is stapled to the tree, is likely to pull out at the first hint of pressure. These latter types were originally used for attaching flasks and wire cutters whilst out hunting but, of course, most people wouldn’t have such a use for them these days. However, many carry front mounted saddle bags, spare lead ropes, hand holds and other gadgets and these D’s are ideal for this job. 

 

A word of warning. If you really need the breastplate to hold your saddle in place you would be well advised to also use added restraints in the form of cord loops, which slide onto the stirrup bar in front of the stirrup leather. The loop should line up with the drop fall staple in length, the breastplate fixing straps attached to both D and loop.  This will mean that whatever force is put onto the saddle, the straps should hold. I have seen the drop fall staples on their own pull out when a very fit, lean horse was going up a steep hill. Very unpleasant for the rider. Not very nice for the horse either!

Some saddles will have D’s at the back, behind the flap and usually on the off side. These were for sandwich cases but are nowadays used for saddle bags and other bits and bobs. Not all saddles will have them, and most that do have them on the off side only although you will occasionally see 2 on each side. These were probably put on at the client’s request at the time of making, or added for a specific use at a later date. These D’s are stapled to the tree with a wrap of leather and are therefore not very strong. 

I am enjoying writing these posts and like reading your responses. Do any of you have specific queries, or want something explained? Please let me know and, if possible I will endeavour to write a post on that topic.

Find out more information on all things Saddle Fitting from Kay Hastilow’s series of expert videos available onhttp://www.khsaddlery.co.uk/educational.html and join in the conversation on facebook