diff --git a/src/makemon.c b/src/makemon.c
index b38f64fa4..a058cb16c 100644
--- a/src/makemon.c
+++ b/src/makemon.c
@@ -1302,6 +1302,13 @@ int mmflags;
             m_initweap(mtmp); /* equip with weapons / armor */
         m_initinv(mtmp); /* add on a few special items incl. more armor */
         m_dowear(mtmp, TRUE);
+
+        if (!rn2(100) && is_domestic(ptr)
+            && can_saddle(mtmp) && !which_armor(mtmp, W_SADDLE)) {
+            struct obj *otmp = mksobj(SADDLE, TRUE, FALSE);
+            put_saddle_on_mon(otmp, mtmp);
+        }
+
     } else {
         /* no initial inventory is allowed */
         if (mtmp->minvent)