also: あんが
saddle tree
The rigid frame of a saddle, typically made of wood or metal, to which the leather and other parts are attached. A specialized term used in equestrian contexts.
The saddle tree broke, so I have to buy a new saddle.
The saddle tree of a traditional Japanese saddle is made of wood.
鞍 (くら) refers to the entire saddle, while 鞍橋 (くらぼね) specifically denotes the internal frame or tree.
Standard kanji spelling for the saddle tree.
Alternate spelling using 骨 (bone), reflecting the structural frame of the saddle.
Rare spelling using 瓦 (tile); may be encountered in older texts.
Rare on'yomi reading; not commonly used in modern Japanese.
Compound of 鞍 (くら, 'saddle') and 骨 (ほね, 'bone'), with rendaku voicing. The kanji 橋 ('bridge') and 瓦 ('tile') are likely ateji or variant spellings for the same word.