“Patrac”

An other very characteristic tool used by the horsemen of Hortobagy is the so called ’patrac’ or horsemen saddle. This is actually not a proper saddle, just a piece of felt covered with leather. There is no girth attached to it, only the stirrups. The history of it goes back to the times when counties were disallowing shepherds to use saddle. Patrac can be easily removed or put back on the horse, and in case a person falls off, their legs will not cling to it and the patrac will come off along with the horseman. When they guard the herd on foot they can carry it on their shoulder or can put it under their head when they lie down.