Wiktionary:Word of the day/2022/December 13

1. A seat for a rider, often made of leather and raised in the front and rear, placed on the back of a horse or other animal, and secured by a strap around the animal's body.
   1. A similar implement used to secure goods to animals; a packsaddle.
   2. Synonym of harness saddle (“the part of a harness which supports the weight of poles or shafts attaching a vehicle to a horse or other animal”)
   3. A cushion used as a seat in a cart or other vehicle.
   4. The immovable seat of a bicycle, motorcycle, or similar vehicle.
   5. (by extension)
      1. Chiefly preceded by the: horse-riding as an activity or occupation.
      2. Synonym of saddle brown (“a medium brown colour, like that of saddle leather”)

         saddle brown:  

2. Something resembling a saddle (sense 1) in appearance or shape.

saddle v

1. (transitive)
   1. To put a saddle (noun sense 1) on (an animal).
   2. To put (something) on to another thing like a saddle on an animal.
   3. (figuratively)
      1. To enter (a trained horse) into a race.
      2. (often passive voice) Chiefly followed by with: to burden or encumber (someone) with some problem or responsibility.
      3. Chiefly followed by on or upon: to place (a burden or responsibility) or thrust (a problem) on someone.
      4. (archaic) To control or restrain (someone or something), as if using a saddle; to bridle, to harness, to rein in.
      5. (obsolete, rare) To get (someone) to do a burdensome task.
   4. (woodworking) To cut a saddle-shaped notch in (a log or other piece of wood) so it can fit together with other such logs or pieces; also, to fit (logs or other pieces of wood) together with this method.
   5. (obsolete)
      1. To put something on to (another thing) like a saddle on an animal.
2. (intransitive, chiefly Canada, US) Often followed by up.
   1. To put a saddle on an animal.
   2. Of a person: to get into a saddle.

Today is celebrated by some people in the United States as the National Day of the Horse, which recognizes the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the country.