The gardian's saddle of Camargue is the only saddle in the world to have retained an enveloping cantle (backrest) with horns used in the 12th century as well as the thigh rests of the 15th century and Renaissance saddles. However, unlike the battle saddles of the Middle Ages, the current Camargue cantle no longer imprisons the rider. On the contrary, it provides him, along with the raising pommel, with ideal support allowing him to ride for hours without tiring.