Flight Saddle

Not to be confused with the draconic saddle (link pending).
Due to the existence of the drahavne, a flighted species capable of serving as mounts, a saddle that was compatible with wings had to be developed for a species much smaller than dragons. Though the draconic saddle was used as an inspiration point, a number of differences exist, due to the differences in size between the drahavne and the dragons, and the lack of spines and ridged back scales on the drahavne.
Exact appearances vary according to regional custom and practices, but the common similarities include a chest strap (which goes around the neck and front of chest), a saddle pad, the saddle itself, stirrups, a back-girth (a wide girth strap that goes around the belly instead of the chest), and a crop strap (which goes around the tail).
The straps are to secure the saddle in place, as a drahavne's wing membranes prevent the usage of the girth straps seen on typical horse saddles. The back-girth of a flight saddle attaches to the long crop strap, and is used to help keep the saddle from lifting off the back, while the chest and crop straps are to provide anchorage points in the absence of the girth seen in normal saddles.
Some models have a saddle horn, while others do not. Each individual saddle is custom-fitted to the drahavne that will wear it, as ill-fitting saddles interfere with flight and can be dangerous to both mount and rider. As such, they are typically quite expensive compared to saddles for non-flighted mount species.

Item type

Clothing / Accessory

Rarity

Rarity is proportionate to the local population of rèvdaziñó mounts.

Raw materials & Components

Usually formed of leather, wood, and padding - the exact types vary depending on local availabilities.
Fastenings such as buckles, as well as the footrests of the stirrups, and some other odds and ends, are broadly made of either high-grade steel, titanium, titanium alloy, nathlésín, or vanamitín. Nathlésín and its alloys are most preferred due to combining strength with weight reduction, but expensive, while the cheapest saddles use steel.