Child's chair saddle of cane, leather, and horsehair; made in England, 1890-1910

Child's chair saddle for use on a donkey or small pony. The enclosed canework chair has a plaited edge and a band of trellis-work at the upper edge. An arched base replaces the legs, with a saddle beneath, which is padded with horsehair and wool and edged with leather. The chair contains a loose cushion of brown leather, and has a leather strap at each corner of the base. There are two small rectilinear spaces in the chair back (originally to take a safety strap to hold the occupant in the chair) and one at each side of the seat front (to take the stirrups).

Bought of Mr A Capewell of Hackney (RF 83/46)

Chair saddles in the UK are generally for use by young children, and are usually made in the form of a cane or wicker chair with a saddle incorporated into the base. They have often been bought by parents who enjoy riding or hunting, so that their children may become accustomed to being on horseback from an early age. Some saddlers even sold pannier saddles, with a basket on each side, for use by babies.

MISC.159-1983