I seem to notice a lot lately. New trend or? Don’t recall them in the past or maybe I wasn’t observant.
They call them chicken straps in Ireland 
Personally I felt naked when riding one without it, I was proud of my chicken strap, but then again I rode some idiots!!!
We call it an ‘oh shit’ strap. 
lol i have one on both my saddles - i use them mostly to actually carry my saddle and to attach my reins to it for archery. Can’t actually remember he last time i needed it for a spook etc especially as i tend to grab my mare crazy long mane
