Note 11 — Chapter XI · THE MUISCA TRAIL

The saddle generally used in the mountains closely resembles the McClellan saddle and is called a galápago. For obvious reasons an English hunting saddle—silla—could not be used where the roads are constantly leading up and down steep mountains—bergauf, bergab, as a German traveler phrases it—and where even on a cavalry saddle it is at times extremely difficult for one to retain one’s position.11