No, it's not as pathetic as it seems. I have people in my life I've known longer but none of them have been so constantly a part of my life as my saddle has been.

I've been riding in that saddle for over 33 years now. It belonged to my riding instructor when I first started working at her place in '74 and it quickly became my favorite. The most comfortable saddle I've ever sat. She sold it to me two years later.

It was old when I got it. A master saddler once looked at it and judging by the style, he told me it was built in the 30's or 40's. Good make, though and well cared for.

It's been trail riding and showing and three-day-eventing and fox hunting for 3 decades now. It's been on dozens of horses (and, amazingly, fit every one) and every photo I've posted here of me on a horse (there's been a few) features that saddle.

It's pretty worn now and I can't use it because of that. I'm in the process of trying to find someone to refurbish it, something that will no doubt cost more than the thing is worth. Except to me. It's priceless to me.

Just felt like saying that.