1860 Farm saddles

[csuniforms]

Hello, Working on my Missouri State Guard soldier and had a question. I know it is a general one but, is there any kind of distinct pattern that could have been used by a typical Missouri farmer or are saddles like cars, 100's of models and years. Tom

[agintomboy]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

Dear Tom:

A civilian in Mo. would have probably ridden in either a plantation style saddle or a Hope or Texas style saddle. You may want to check with the Steamboat Arabia museum to see if they have saddles and harness in their collection. The wreck occurred in 1856 and was entombed in mud for 130+ years a virtual time warp. The wreck contained every aspect of trade goods available at the time. I also would check with Doug Harding, one of the interpretive rangers at the Arch in St. Louis. He has a dynamite civilian impression and is well versed in Mo. civilian history.

Anita

[fedcampaigner]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

I did a quick google search and found the site of a group that portrays the Missouri State Guard. They seem to be authenticly minded. They might be able to assist you. Good luck. http://members.aol.com/ozrkreb/hist3.htm

[T.Kern]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

Hello, Working on my Missouri State Guard soldier and had a question. I know it is a general one but, is there any kind of distinct pattern that could have been used by a typical Missouri farmer or are saddles like cars, 100's of models and years. Tom

Be careful with "plantation" saddles, that is a generic term and some plantation saddles are post war. The buena vista comes to mind, a good deal of question wether or not it is period. Very similar is the Welbourne saddle which is probably period. A small land farmer would most likely have a outriders or wagon saddle. Something he would ride pulling a wagon or cart as well as use for other work. Often these saddles can be found on ebay. They feature a long square skirt, though rounded are seen too. High square cantle. English rigging.
Todd Kern

[Ken Knopp]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

Allow me to suggest a couple of observations. I am currently researching and writing an article relative to this subject so please allow me to share some of the information I have learned.
First, prior to the war (and leaving aside military patterns) for civilians, a person’s geographic location, occupation, wealth and social standing strongly influenced ones choice of saddle. For example, a common, hard scrabble farmer from any area (Missouri included) may not own a saddle at all (an unnecessary luxury) while the increasingly prosperous farmer would likely own any one of a number of saddle choices depending upon the influences noted above. These could include English, Spring seat, Somerset, Kilgore, Spanish, Half Spanish, wagon or various locally produced horned pattern saddles.
It should be noted that the Civil War was a watershed event in saddle proliferation. Prior to the war, the Mississippi River was somewhat of a slowly fading demarcation line. In particular, St Louis, as the Gateway to the west and, the Miss. river as sorta the “great divide” of saddle influence. While all of the popular patterns could be found almost anywhere in the country, to the west of the Mississippi horned saddles with names like Mexican, Spanish, California, Hope, Texas, Sabine and others tended to be increasingly popular. While to the east, all of the old world influenced patterns tended to be a bit more prevelant such as English, Spring seat, Somerset, Kilgore, Spanish, Half Spanish, etc. This was largely due to the nature of saddle usage or habits. The west’s influence by Spanish or Mexican patterns and of course, the rugged nature of its travel and work habits necessitated or lent itself to the horned saddle while riding saddles in the east was influenced by European patterns and more for pleasure. Again , let me say that just before the war all of the above patterns could be found in almost any geographic area but with localized cultural or economic influences often taking precedent.
The war offered the opportunity for great exposure to the many patterns (especially military) some of which vaulted in popularity (such as the Texas and McClellan patterns) during the post war commercial catalog boom and others that gradually (or quickly) faded away.
Interestingly, after the war the embellishments to their styles (or components such as fancy seat treatments, tooling, cantle/pommel rolls, etc.) were so similar it often makes some patterns almost indistinguishable. For example, Somerset saddles often looked like Kilgore’s, Kilgore’s like McClellans, Spring seats like Somersets, Texas like Morgan’s, etc. etc. This unfortunately, can make identification very confusing. Nevertheless, it is the tree configurations and not the outward appearance that offers a more effective way (but not always) to identify a saddle pattern.
For example, English trees were used for making English saddles, Somerset saddles, most Spanish or Half Spanish saddles, some Park saddles and most wagon saddles.
Transition or blended trees utilized both Spanish and English influences. Such as those for most Kilgore saddles, McClellen’s Jenifers, Morgan (horned and muly), Whitman, Mosby, Ferguson, Buena Vista, etc. While horned trees included Spanish, Half Spanish, California, Texas, Hope, Attachapas, Morgan’s, Whitman’s, etc.
As I stated the blend of patterns and decorative embellishments that were applied (especially by post war makers) often makes for a lot of confusion when trying to identify a saddle- at least for the un-trained eye. However, I note that it is clear the people of the period knew and understood the differences of these saddle patterns and therefore we should also endeavor to understand them too.
To that end I have enclosed some photos and drawings of three very common mid-19th century period saddles. All the drawings are from period catalogs. To understand the saddle patterns it is best to ignore the fancy leather treatments and take note of the subtle differences in the pommel and cantles.

SOMERSET: Somerset saddles utilized an English tree but with pommel and cantle modifications allowing for a slightly deeper seat and a wider variety of enhanced leather treatments than typical English saddles. In appearance, the Somerset is a transition pattern between the harmonious, flat English saddle and, the higher pommel and cantle of the Kilgore saddle (see below). Often made very similar to the Kilgore it is differentiated by a more modest pommel and a low, graceful (almost flat) seat and cantle closer to English saddles. Variations and enhancements depicted in catalogs were many including with or without stitched down seats, under padding, fancy tooling, assorted skirt treatments and sizes, open wood or metal stirrups but rarely with fenders. Catalog saddle makers of the period blended so many styles the Somerset can easily be confused with both the English and the Kilgore and, occasionally even spring seat saddles however, the basic configuration of a low pommel and cantle is what makes a Somerset.
Note the Somerset tree’s similarities to an English tree.

KILGORE: One of the most popular 19th century commercial saddle patterns. It is not clear where or when the Kilgore originated but it was likely just prior to the Civil War. With the explosion of the catalog saddle business after the war the Kilgore became one of the best selling saddles with fanciful variations found in nearly every riding saddle catalog well into the 20th century.
The Kilgore tree configuration varied by maker but is noted for a higher pommel and deeper seat than the two-piece, English style Somerset. In fact, its four-piece construction including pommel and cantle are often very similar to the McClellan tree but usually not as pronounced. Even more than the Somerset, the Kilgore seemed to enjoy many style variations and fancy embellishments by its makers. Like many riding saddles of the day most included thick under padding of the bars and skirts for use without a saddle blanket. Note the Kilgore tree and the finished Kilgore saddle.

SPRING SEAT (Kentucky Spring Seat) : Spring seat saddles pre-date the Civil War as one of the most popular commercial riding patterns. They were made on English or Somerset trees, usually heavily padded and built for comfort by the addition of a simple web or leather spring application on the bars under the seat. Almost always found with fancy seat and skirt treatments their appearances varied widely with makers.
In the late 1800's Eugene Minihan of Owingsville Ky. is credited with inventing and patenting the “Kentucky Spring Seat” saddle. It appears Minihan improved the flexibility in the saddle with a unique, solid leather tree design. The Kentucky Spring Seat saddle innovation was soon copied by many makers and usually included stitched and padded seat treatments and, were frequently accompanied with a pronounced cantle roll (and sometimes a pommel roll). It should be noted however, that in outward appearance the Kentucky Spring Seat saddle was often constructed virtually the same as common spring seat saddles. In fact, comparison of numerous catalogs often show little perceivable difference between the two except in name only. These should not be confused with Buena Vista/Welbourne Saddles.

Proper 19th century nomenclature is critical to identifying saddle patterns and, to stop the perpetuation of misinformation and mis-identification. Todd Kern is right. Please, please.... refrain from using the term “Plantation saddle” for these saddles. The term did not appear until the 1920's or so and then only on a limited bases for use in advertising. It is actually a modern, historically incorrect and improper term that only serves to advance the cause of ignorance. Rather, it would be better to learn the identifying characteristics and proper names of the saddles.
Anyway, this is a work in progress so any ideas, information, offers of assistance or disagreements are strongly encouraged.

Ken R Knopp

[rbruno]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

Ken,
As always, great information and descriptions. I think this study of civilian saddles is very important for Conf. cav. We have a new guy joining our group who I would like to see ride a civilian saddle. We don't see enough of these in reenacting, my unit included. The big question though, is anyone reproducing a correct saddle or tree for one of the saddles you mentioned? I hope I don't mess up the terms here, but I have seen Texas (horned) saddles and Muley saddle produced, but not any that you have described unless I am not looking in the right places. If anyone has seen a reproduction or better yet owns one, I would like to know who made it.
Thanks,
Rob Bruno
1st MD Cav

[csuniforms]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles-- Thank you

I believe Randy Steffen years ago had an interest in civilian saddles and military equipments in general for cavalry. What I have found is that in every town and village in Missouri they had a saddle and harness maker shop or office.( perused the Missouri newspapers) That like blacksmiths, wagon and wheel makers, harness and leather works was a very common thing to see in the eary 1860's in town. Many of the farmers were schooled in leather making and harness repairs and I am sure that some made their own saddles. It was a generally accepted belief, (dont quote me on this, my observation, ) that in buying a new set of harness or saddle from a leather store, you got a better crafted product. The designs, Grimsley, English, Spanish, Texas-- I guess were personal tastes-- just like cars. All that can be stated here, unless we find a saddle that was captured or I'd-- then donated to a museum from a CW Missourian; is state the popular styles used in the 1850' and 60's, and without research otherwise, that these can be used.
Thank You for answering my post

Tom Arliskas
Cadet Gray and Butternut Brown
CSuniforms

[Ken Knopp]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

As everyone knows wagon saddles were a clear "pre-war" pattern. Here is some information I'd like to share. I am trying to get this right so invite comments.

WAGON SADDLES (a.k.a. “Conestoga”) As the forerunner to the “Prairie Schooner” of the 19th century, the infamous Conestoga wagon was first built by German Mennonites of the Conestoga Valley in eastern Pennsylvania in the 1730's. The “Conestoga Wagon Saddle” originated somewhere in this history then became synonymous with all wagons and came to be simply “the wagon saddle”. Although in practical use the wagon saddle could be replaced by other patterns these long skirt saddles were important in protecting horse and rider when “jerk line” driving freight wagons, working field teams or for settler’s moving west. Often multiple teams of horses or mules were driven in this manner by a “waggoner” who rode from the saddle on the near (left) wheel horse. This method of moving heavy loads was at its peak in the 19th century but remained practical well into the early 20th century.
Interestingly, the basic wagon saddle remained consistent in appearance throughout its existence. Usually built on English trees with padded bars they were other wise well constructed for hard use including heavy leather seats and thick harness leather skirts fourteen by twenty-eight inches (or longer) and with few fancy embellishments. Early ones often had schabraques and iron stirrups but after the Civil War heavy bent wood stirrups were common. Beginning in the 1880's “cut back” pommels were a popular feature on many riding saddles including wagon saddles.

PHOTO: Typical early Wagon saddle. Although an important commercial saddle pattern for over one hundred years wagon saddles were only occasionally found in retail saddle catalogs.

Ken R Knopp

[T.Kern]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

Hello, Working on my Missouri State Guard soldier and had a question. I know it is a general one but, is there any kind of distinct pattern that could have been used by a typical Missouri farmer or are saddles like cars, 100's of models and years. Tom

Just thought of it but I have a early style civ saddle, eng type, that I would sell farily cheap. needs the billets replaced and maybe a patch on the panel but ought to be ok otherwise. If that's what you're looking for.
Todd Kern

[Old-South]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

I think this thread needs resurrecting as there as still many questions that need addressing.
First, my apologies to Ken for the excessive questions. My enthusiasm gets carried away at times when I should search the forum first.
Second, regarding civilian saddles; would it be acceptable to take a modern English style saddle and divest it of all it's modern hardware and replace the padding with correct horse hair filled canvas?
With the multitude of different English saddles out there, there should be a suitable base saddle to start with.
Anyone? Anyone?
Regards,
Jeff Gibson
Equestrian Newbie

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

Paddy, I thought I'd bump this one up...

[Outrider]

Re: 1860 Farm saddles

Thanks Zack. I started to myself among others I found and forgot about.