to darken leather from its natural color. Sometimes this is desirable and sometimes not, depending on the desired shade of the leather. Strap parts of the saddle, such as the stirrup leathers, billets (on an English saddle) and latigo (on a western saddle) also need conditioning, but it varies by climate. In a dry climate, failure to oil straps may result in cracking and weakening of the leather, and they can snap or break. In a more humid climate, too much oil may weaken the leather. Properly conditioned leather is neither brittle nor floppy in texture and flexibility. Saddles made of synthetic materials can be cleaned using water and a mild cleaner and do not require conditioning. They will tolerate being washed with water without risk of drying out or damaging the material. While synthetics to date will not last as long as a well-cared for leather saddle, they withstand lack of cleaning and care as well as exposure to rain and dampness quite well. Before a horse show or other competition, the rider should take extra care to clean the saddle and polish all metal parts, including the D-rings, stirrups, stirrup bars and nailheads on an English saddle; and the buckles, dees, and ornamental silver on a Western saddle. Saddle-Horn Injury Riding carelessly on a saddle may produce, what is called a saddle-horn injury of the pelvis. It occurs during horse riding, when a horse rider hits the horn of the saddle. The pelvic ring may undergo anteroposterior compression of the pelvic ring, causing a separation of symphyseal joint [symphyseolysis]. Even the sacroiliac joint, which is far more stable may be injured. See also Bridle Domestication of the horse Equestrianism Horse tack Horses in warfare Howdah Stirrup Vehicular Bicycle saddle Motorcycle and moped saddle Citations General sources Bennett, Deb (1998) Conquerors: The Roots of New World Horsemanship. Amigo Publications Inc.; 1st edition. McBane, Susan. The Essential Book of Horse Tack and Equipment. David & Charles. Devon, England. Copyright 2002. External links Clayton study on treeless saddles "The invention and influences of stirrup"