Back Jockeys Or Not Back Jockeys?

[Aurelie]

Hello Guys!

The "pestering" girl is back with a "HOT" question for you :D

and i will be really glad to hear your opinion on that one.

between what i see, what i hear around me and what i have read in AL's books i am really curious now .

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BACK JOCKEYS???

technical?

historical?

impact on the weight of the saddle?

esthetic?

for the "fun"? (i do not believe in that one)

some say you do not need them

some say you need them

so i ask :

why? when? how?

thanks to anyone who answer that question

[JAM]

The back jockeys protect the tree. They don't need to be separate panels, although that's easier - they are often stitched to the skirt as part of an inskirt rigging. They need to be big enough to overlap and protect the tree bars from exposure, but that's the basic function. Beyond that it's about looks; they can be as decorative or large as the design of the saddle requires.

[rdl123]

I noticed that Al Stolhman's encyclopedia says that they are important to keep dirt and grit from working its way between the tree and the skirts - This agrees with what JAM has said and I think it makes sense. Also, I think it would be pretty hard to make the rigging plates that attach to the rear bars look pretty and still be strong - Also, all of the skirt tugs would wind up being exposed. If the saddle was inskirt rigged and a large pocket was created at the rear bars I can see it working - However the pocket would be more or less a jockey again - Just a structural one.

R.

[Aurelie]

thanks for your point of view guys

[SethJ]

Without them I think you'd see 1) the skirt tugs,...and 2) all the hardware(screw,nails) from the riggings?

I love them as they're a nice place to show off your carvings!

[Aurelie]

thanks for you opinion