Earliest Evidence of a True Frame Saddle Found in Mongolian Tomb With a Man and Mummified Horse Amazes Researchers

The innovations in horse equipment during the early Middle Ages played a major role in molding societies, especially in the humongous Eurasian steppes. The origin of saddles and stirrups revamped horseback riding, facilitating warriors with modified stability and control. However, the precise origins of these developments have been shrouded in mystery due to the destructible nature of these organic and sustainable materials, stated Cambridge.Org. Archaeologists have left no stone unturned for evidence of the earliest rigid saddles, and discovery in Mongolia provided stunning details regarding the history of horse riding.

Researchers have found a painted wooden saddle with iron stirrups in a tomb at Urd Ulaan Uneet, famously known as the  "horsemen’s cave," in Mongolia’s Khovd province. This stunning find, dating back to approximately 420 A.D., showcases the earliest known evidence of a true frame saddle. Radiocarbon dating places the artifact between 267 and 535 A.D., cementing its place as a prominent discovery in equestrian history. The saddle, found alongside the remains of a man and mummified horse, indicates the level of modern advancements back in the day. The authors of the study shared, "Despite their ubiquitous presence within modern equestrian activities, saddles and stirrups were not used during the early centuries of horseback riding," as reported by Arkeonews.

They further noted, "Their development revolutionized mounted warfare and contributed to far-ranging social change across Eurasia but the origins of this technology remains poorly understood." The discovery has opened a new portal for the evolution of horseback riding revealing how Mongolian groups were early adopters of modern equestrian technology. Before the invention of saddles, riders relied on bareback techniques, holding the horse’s mane for stability. Over time, soft pads and simple bridles emerged, eventually leading to the solid-framed saddles that revamped mounted combat. The study authors share, "Our study raises the possibility that the Eastern Steppe played a key role in the early development and spread of the frame saddle and stirrup…Mongolian steppe cultures were closely tied to key innovations in equestrianism, an advance that had a major impact on the conduct of medieval warfare," stated Live Science.

The importance of this discovery extends beyond equestrian history. The uprise of the Khaganate and other Inner Asian powers was spiked by military dominance, and the use of rigid saddles with stirrups played a highly important role in their success. Study author William Taylor shared, "Developing a rigid frame that could support a suspended stirrup was a watershed moment, really unlocking a whole host of other things people could do while mounted…There's every reason to think that both men and women were regularly riding horses since the earliest appearance of horses in the Eastern Steppe," stated Live Science.

This technological research helped riders with top-notch balance and aided them in wielding weapons more effectively in battle. The well-preserved nature of the saddle gives rare insight into the equestrian practices followed back then. The study poses the possibility that the Eastern Steppe played an important role in the early development and spread of frame saddles and stirrups, stated Arkeonews.