People who know about working equitation/baroque tack

[coblets]

I've been seeing something that looks like a strip of animal fur attached to the back of the saddle (see below) - what is it and what was it traditionally used for? My best guess is that it once prevented friction of saddle bags or other pack when they were out working cattle..?

 

[shortstuff99]

It is called a chairel, used to stop the traditional dress getting dirty from the horses back. The Alter Real stud also told me once that it helps warm the horses back muscles up.

 

[HollyWoozle]

What @shortstuff99 said! I think it's traditionally made from a fox pelt? But think they sometimes use goat or other now.

 

[coblets]

Thank you both, fascinating! Don't think I've seen anything similar in tack across the world.