Another interesting mounted civilian...

[Outrider]

could be post war..not sure but in any case I think he could use a bigger horse..

[csabugler]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

I don't see a picture.
Pete

could be post war..not sure but in any case I think he could use a bigger horse..


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[Outrider]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

Yeah something went wrong. I am working on it. No computer genious here. I did the same thing I did before . Not sure why it didnt show this time. Ill try again after I look into it.

[Outrider]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

Well I cant figure it out so I am posting a link to the pic and maybe someone else can figure out how to post it over here for everyone to see.

http://www.mikemedhurst.com/Image_pages/08198ManonHorse.html

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

Hallo!

Fixed...

Curt
Genius but a computer Luddite Mess

[Outrider]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

Hey thanks Curt!

[csabugler]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

"Shoot low boys, they're riding Shetland ponies!!"

[Outrider]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

First time I ever seen a pony ( I think it is really a small horse) being rode in a double bridle. I like his hat and generally dapper way it sort of conflicts with him riding such a small animal though. Not exactly a picture of a "dashing" horseman.

[RJSamp]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

I like the hat on the pony!

[Hank Trent]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

That looks like when my 5'10" wife used to try to ride our 13-1/2 hand mule. She always felt silly.

He knows what he's doing, though. It's a good example of typical horsemanship from the period that you don't see much anymore, double bridle ridden one-handed.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Outrider]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

Exactly Hank. That was one thing that really grabbed me about this image the man certainly looks like he knows exactly what he is doing. Very confident posture.
Double bridles are all too rare in reenacting the period. I am working on putting one together for myself but having a hard time coming up with the proper bridle. I have workable bits . It looks like its going to have to be a custom job.
I really want to see more civilians mounted in general, especially in town settings ( not talking in a military/civilian scenario here for obvious reasons)
Personally, I am fascinated with period horsemanship/equipments in the civilian world of the period. Anyone can read a cavalry manual. I am talking everyday practical use of horses here.
Am I all alone in this?

Patrick
thinking of starting a crusade..

[PogueMahone]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

In "Campaigns of a Non-Combatant", by George Townsend, he refers to the horses obtained on his behalf by the newspaper publisher as "pony" quite often, even mentioning the contrast between himself and others. Apparently he felt he was an accomplished horseman because at one point he compares his superior riding skill on his poor pony to the ADC accompanying him on a fine steed that the man could barely manage or upon which he could remain mounted.

This image looks like a perfect example of Townsend's situation.

[Lance Stifle]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

Gentlemen all
here in Oz the use of what you term the double bridle is mandatory at our Australian Light Horse events, beginners are exceptions.
We use the 1902 Modern Universal Pattern (UP) Reversable or elbow bit, (Military Pelham) with straight bar or low port and curb chain.

This is mounted on a model 1885 UP bridle, which is in two parts allowing the poll strap suspending the bit and reins to be easily detached from the halter part of the bridle, a simple but efficient way for dropping the bit but still having the mount secure.

The use of double reins is not that difficult, the trick is to learn individual rein placement in the left hand, and ongoing practice. Most WW1 Australian Light Horse regiments shoulder slung, or carried rifles in the right hand, as with our formal parades.

The curb reins are left slightly loose and literaly ignored (other than during charge action), the cheek reins are usually set in the upper slot of the bit, and the adjustable curb chain is set at an easy two fingers thickness below the horses "chin" (external jaw bars)
The whole is an effective and kind control if adjusted correctly and used kindly. I've used it on a number of our own horses and none have objected whatsoever.

Please check my UP album for images.

More to come

[Lance Stifle]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

On Horses.

After 4 years of WW1 active across mainly desert terrain, through pure necessity it was realised that the Australian mounts (Walers) had been capable of;
"travelling thousands of miles, sometimes for 70 hours without a drink, through intense heat, biting cold, sand, mud and stones. She was a wonderful example of the Australian remount....carying approximately 140 pound of dead weight, and with rider and rifle her load increased to 280lbs."
("Gunner". LTCOL Alex Meldrum. DSO)

After WW1 a group of Australian and New Zealand mounted corps commanders got together to determine what stand and confirmation had proven to be ideal for mounted troop use and had endured above all other types.
Their decision was that a mount between 15 and 15.2 hands with a good length of rein, sloping shoulder, deep chest with well sprung ribs, well-developed forearms, slightly flat cannon bones, not too long in the pasterns and sloping, with strong powerful quarters, hind legs well under, hoofs hard and straight.

There was a great emphasis on being able to quickly mount and dismount fully equipped, I have a picture of the future Field Marshal Lord Methuen all "tooled up" standing with his mount in 1884, the horse is more of a pony and couldn't be more than 14 hands in height.

So in regard to the photo on this thread, I can understand why many preferred a smaller but never the less nuggerty type for everyday use, good blood, bone and endurance stood the test.

Now about the horses I saw on John Waynes "Horse soldiers"......

Cheers
Lance Stifle

[Outrider]

Re: Another interesting mounted civilian...

Thanks Lance thats good stuff. Joe also posted an interesting reference there. A pelham ,correct for the period , is what I am looking for. I dont want to use the bridoon/curb combo since that gets a bit more complicated and to me too much "stuff" to hassle with. Also then my regular civilian bridle will work just fine. I like pelhams but havent found a period correct one for sale anywhere yet.
It is also interesting about that 14hd horse. Personally I would not want a horse anything over 16hh and that is pushing it to the upper limits. I prefer about 15-15.2 for the very reason you state..easier on and easier off and in my experience height has nothing to do with strength. In fact, some shorter horses , with shorter backs Ive had, were far stronger IMO than some of the taller, heavier muscled ones are. Arabians and Morgans are probably good examples of it. I imagine your Aussie cowponies are not unlike ours either. Theyre not tall either or are not supposed to be anyway.

Ill have to shoot you a PM. I have more questions about some of that gear yall are using down under.

Patrick