tack info for a newbie

[adamandnicole]

All,
I am just getting into mounted cavalry after 13 years of infantry. I am wanting to put together a good CS impression and am leaning towards civilian style horse equipment. (seems like there are way too many McClellans out there) That being said, I have a couple of questions.

I know that snaffle bits have been around for a long time, but I can not find many references to their use by Confederates.Aside from a couple of pictures , does anyone have any evidence supporting their use? Also, is there any evidence of saddle pads being used? Obviously, blankets were most common, but it seems that saddle pads would have been convenient for everyday civilians.

Any information is appreciated.

Adam Dickerson

[Ken Knopp]

Re: tack info for a newbie

Adam,

Thank you for posting! Actually, snaffle bits that are surprisingly similar to today's, go back centuries. A snaffle bit was not "per se" a CS issue item but many were bought up by the arsenals from saddleries and retail shops in the early war then issued. They were also brought into military use by the civilian turned trooper's. They were also made in significant quantities by the Federals both as a cavalry watering bit and for quartermaster teams on the wagon bridles. So, they are very "period" and were quite common. Having said that, as a horseman you know that the type bit used is dictated by the needs of the horse as well as the rider. Depending upon the horse, a snaffle is fine but gives limited control so be careful. I should note that proper period construction and materials is VERY important. A blacksmith made or a period "cast" snaffle would be appropriate. Do NOT use a modern chrome or nickel plated snaffle.
Saddle pads are bit more elusive. There is considerable evidence that saddle "pads" or "mats" were common prior to the war. Pads of wool felt were expensive and not very plentiful but they were out there. I am not very clear on how they appeared. Pads or mats of Spanish Moss were a more common "poor man's" saddle pad. These are now being reproduced but the wait is long.
However, it should be note that many civilian saddles of the period were designed so to NOT use pads or blankets. Think of the "Spanish", "Half Spanish", Somerset, Kilgore and English type saddles that had under pads "attached" to the saddles. These were generally made of canvas stuffed with horse hair or Spanish Moss. These would not require the use of a blanket or pad. In the custom of the period, the saddle simply sat on the horse's back "san's" blanket.
So, if you want to go civilian (and do it right) get a saddle with a good (authentic) under pad and dispense with the pad or blanket entirely (although you may want to use one anyway). Check out my web site for more information and photos. Hope this helps.

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[csabugler]

Re: tack info for a newbie

Adam, what part of the world are you in? Also, check out Ken's site, in case you don't know , he's pretty much the top Confederate horse gear dude in the hobby.

[adamandnicole]

Re: tack info for a newbie

Patrick,
I live in southeast Ohio. I'm about 5-7 hrs from eastern and western events.
I have read through much of Ken's site and just got the book, very good info.

Regards,

Adam Dickerson

[rbruno]

Re: tack info for a newbie

To all,
Does anyone know if the civilian saddles Ken described are being reproduced and the makers name? I have not been able to find someone making a correct CW period civilian saddle. I think Karl Pepper makes a muley saddle that looks great. But what about some of the others mentioned in Ken's post.

[Outrider]

Re: tack info for a newbie

To all,
Does anyone know if the civilian saddles Ken described are being reproduced and the makers name? I have not been able to find someone making a correct CW period civilian saddle. I think Karl Pepper makes a muley saddle that looks great. But what about some of the others mentioned in Ken's post.

I have been wonder the same thing . Mulies and Texas types are about it, seems to me. I do know of someone about to make an attempt at a wagon driver's ( civilian) saddle. I am looking forward to checking those out.

I've been looking for a period english saddle for years .

[csabugler]

Re: tack info for a newbie

Glen Pier talked at one time about making a Somerset, but I think there was some question about the source for a tree. It's very English as I recall from memory. You might want to follow up with them.

[MustangGray]

Re: tack info for a newbie

Try Stuart Lilie for authentic "englis-type" saddles. I have one of his and really like the quality of craftsmanship in it. from what I can tell it's pretty much spot on save for one or two small things that have been brought up by others who have looked at it. Stuart can be contacted through his website at http://www.stuartliliesaddles.com/.

Hope that helps!

[Ken Knopp]

Re: tack info for a newbie

Gents, there are some good things happening out there relative to reproduction 19th century saddles. For the first time, several period cvilian saddles are now available or soon will be......

From the photos I have seen, Stuart Lilie of Williamsburg Va makes the period English, Somerset, Hussar's (Rev and War of 1812) and has made a Half Spanish saddle. The workmanship appears quite good from what I can see in photos. To the best of my knowledge he is the only person faithfully reproducing these type saddles. I am not sure if he does a Kilgore pattern but given his knowledge and talents in the genre it would not be much of a stretch to do so. Someone ought to "light the match" and commission him to do one
Right now there is another person working on a reproduction of the period Wagon Saddle that by all reports will be quite good. He has been a contributor to this forum so I will let him speak for himself at the appropriate time.
Karl Pepper makes several variations of civlian, Muley's, Texas and CS saddles and of course, Doug Kidd also makes some. Doug tells me he will rebuild originals (if you have one) as necessary as I am sure Karl would. The underpadding is the trick.
No doubt there are other makers out there doing these but I am not aware of them. Anyone?

There are WAY TOO MANY McClellans in reenacting and civilian saddles are WAY TOO UNDER-REPRESENTED as are Jenifers. So, these are very exciting evolutionary developments.

Check out my website for photos of these type saddles.

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[volcav]

Re: tack info for a newbie

I'll vouch for Doug Kidd's work on rebuilding an original. He did one for me last year and I have another that I plan to send to him this year.

This link will take you to a lady who specializes in plantation style (not just Buena Vistas) saddles. She restores orginals and has built some the bottom up. I've talked to her on the phone and she seems to know her stuff about making saddles. The pictures show pretty good work. You might have to tell her exactly you want to get period correct hardware but if I remember right she'll build what you want.

http://4beatstitchery.com/

[T.Kern]

Re: tack info for a newbie

I'll vouch for Doug Kidd's work on rebuilding an original. He did one for me last year and I have another that I plan to send to him this year.

This link will take you to a lady who specializes in plantation style (not just Buena Vistas) saddles. She restores orginals and has built some the bottom up. I've talked to her on the phone and she seems to know her stuff about making saddles. The pictures show pretty good work. You might have to tell her exactly you want to get period correct hardware but if I remember right she'll build what you want.
http://4beatstitchery.com/

I can vouch for her work, having bought a redone saddle from her. She understands the part about skilled craftsmen not cutting corners. Although, I have to warn many of the saddles she deals with are a later period. She specifically likes the gaited horse saddles of the turn of the century but on occasion has some earlier patterns.

Macs are way over used.

Todd Kern