Saddle and use of said saddle for seating a rider on an animal, in particular on a horse

A saddle for seating a rider on an animal, the saddle comprising a frame for mounting a girth or stirrups,

• wherein the frame comprises a front member that defines a pommel side of the saddle, a rear member that defines a cantle side of the saddle and a central member interconnecting the front member and the rear member,
• wherein the central member is arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction above a spine of the animal,
• wherein the saddle further comprises a first cushion member and a second cushion member arranged for resting directly on a back of the animal on opposite sides of the central member in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
• wherein the saddle is provided with a connecting element crossing over the central member and interconnecting the first cushion member and the second cushion member,
• wherein the connecting element is movable with respect to the central member,
• wherein the saddle further comprises a seat for placement on top of the first cushion member and the second cushion member,
• wherein, when not in use on the back of the animal, the connecting element rests directly on top of the central member,
• wherein the first cushion member and the second cushion member, when resting on the back of the animal, are configured to at least partially lift the connecting element from the central member,
• wherein the first cushion member and the second cushion member, when resting on the back of the animal, are arranged for supporting the seat in a position clear off the central member.