"What color for Norman saddles 1066-1099?" Topic

When did the colorful saddles start. I was thinking of a dark tan or brown like hardened leather. But, I have seen them painted all colors of the rainbow. They will be used for battles from Hastings up to early crusades. Thanks for any help in advance. TIG

I can't imagine a definitive answer exists. I'd go with what looks right to you.

Use the colours on the Bayeux Tapestry as reference, -including those for the horses (especially the blue ones). If anyone questions you on accuracy, you can cite a primary source.

I do them 'leather' colour.

I have heard that thing like leather scabbards were painted with colourful designs so maybe saddles were as well?

In the absence of definitive evidence just do them in whatever looks good to you!

Many (like maybe forty) years ago I saw a 25mm Norman/Saxon collection painted in the manner of the Bayeux tapestry..it looked great, but figure poses were rather stilted and wooden in those days, and I suppose that helped.

I would also say, use the Tapestry as a primary source. Personally I used a lot of red browns for saddles and straps!

Leather, that is to say shades of medium to dark browns, are what I usually use, but it is fun to paint a "dandy" once in a while who just has to color coordinate his outfit. He would have dyed horse tackle to go along with his own kit. How else do you reckon that all those "high middle ages" knights got so fancy? Their predecessors were just as vain….