Riding Straps

Article by: Heather

Purpose

Riding straps are made from leather that can be braided and sewn together. The purpose of these straps is to keep a dragonrider (or passenger) securely placed on the dragon's neckridge during flight to prevent falling.

Exposure to /between/, and Threadfall, can dry out and crack the leather of the riding straps. Therefore, straps are continuously maintained by dragonriders. They are oiled to keep the leather pliable and strong for longer periods of time.

The straps are all made to buckle and cinch into place.

Strap Pieces

Fore Neck Strap - The neck strap is a wide, thick band of leather that goes over the dragon's neck and rests between the neckridge and the dragonrider.

Aft Neck Strap - This is a large strap that goes around the dragon's neck, underneath the foreleg, and then around the shoulders to meet again just behind where the rider sits.

The two neck straps secure the rider's saddle into place.

Neck Plate - The neck plate is a leather shield that rests on the front of the dragon's neck and provides a covering for the neck riding straps. The neck plate can be customized with designs to reflect Weyr or Wing insignias.

Chest Strap - The chest strap is only used when transporting extra passengers or heavy cargo. It is a thick leather strap that goes around the dragon's torso behind the wings and forelegs.

Bridge Straps - Bridge straps are smaller straps of leather that connect the neck straps together, to keep them in place, and can be used to connect the chest strap to the aft neck strap.

Tether Straps - Tethering straps are smaller straps connected to the chest strap or neck straps that are used to attach smaller items for flight such as: carrysacks, firestone bags, baskets, etc.

Riding Belt - This is a belt that is worn by the dragonriders that has loops made of leather or metal. Buckles attached to the fore and aft neck straps can then be hooked into the loops to secure the rider in place.

Safety Strap - This is a long strap that connects from the rider's belt to any of the other anchoring straps on the dragon. A safety strap is most likely only worn during Threadfall.

Toe loops - Toe loops are braided pieces of leather or rope that are attached to the neck or bridge straps to aid riders in climbing into place, or for stability during Threadfall.

Riding Gear

• Riding Boots:

Dragonriders boots are made from hard, durable leather or wherhide. These tall boots protect a dragonrider's feet and calves from danger, or burns, during Threadfall.

• Riding Gloves:

Riding gloves are a mandatory part of a dragonrider's uniform during Threadfall. These gloves, made out of wherhide or leather, protect a dragonrider's hands from stray pieces of Thread or from ash burns.

• Riding Goggles:

Goggles are mandatory for all riders to wear during Threadfall. The goggles shield the eyes from debris such as ash while flying 'fall. Goggles are made by glass craftsmen.

• Riding Helmet:

Riding helmets are mandatory for all riders to wear during Threadfall and Wingdrills. The helmet protects the rider from falling pieces of Thread as well as dropped firestone sacks or other debris. Helmets are made from hardened leather and are fitted onto the head and held into place with leather straps.

• Riding Jacket:

Riding jackets are a mandatory item during Threadfall. These jackets, made from wherhide or leather, are an added layer of protection to a dragonrider's torso during Threadfall. Cooler climates may have riding jackets that are lined with fur or wools to keep the dragonrider warm during Threadfall. Riding jackets also serve the purpose of keeping a dragonrider warm on trips /between/.

• Riding Leathers:

Riding leathers are similar to terran chaps. They protect a dragonrider's legs and thighs from ash burns or Thread during 'fall.