Chicmom, you are quite right.
Littlegrey (named as she was daughter of a huge hen called Mrs Grey) is a Dark Brahma who was very popular with the boys.When she was 'off the scene' for a while in a broody cope she moulted and the saddle helped to keep her warm and dry (We have had the coolest summer for 20 years).
Although she was a 'low down the pecking order hen', she turned into a real fighter once her chicks hatched....she still send everyone scurrying when she comes over. Her chicks are VERY confident.