Surcingle as breast strap

[1sgtscot]

I use a surcingle correctly, but started wondering about how it would be attached to the saddle if it were used as a breast strap. The two front rings are not large enough (unless you use a rope or leather strap to tie it on) and the only other way I can imagine is to run it through the center of the saddle then back around the front of the saddle. Any thoughts?

Sgt Scott

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Just buckle it around the neck and loop it over the pommel.

Dave Myrick

[1sgtscot]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Dave,

Thanks for the reply. I had thought of that, but there is no real strength that way. It will stay, but it slips off too easily, and it gets in the way of other items strapped on front. Also, It would appear to be more decorative than supportive in that way, but it does fit. I'm still trying to figure out why they used it this way. I guess if a trooper received all the tack and did not know what this was, it might make sense to try and use it as a breast strap. I have used it to hold a blanket on at night (without the saddle), but that was only temporary.

Thanks again,
Sgt Scott

[unionreb]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Scott,

i have used the surcingle as a breast strap in the manner related above. to keep it in place, i run the leather billet under the front quarter strap on both side of the pommel and then buckle it on the near side. hope this helps.

charles

[Tom Craig]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Scott,

In addition to what Charles and Dave suggested, you can also run one end of the strap right through the pommel, with the other strap on the outside of the pommel and buckle it as you like.

The reason why they did it was that some horses need a breaststrap to prevent the saddle from sliding back and the Mac wasn't issued with one. It was supposed to be issued with a crupper, but not a breaststraps. Look at enough images and you will see Fed troopers with civilian breatstraps and surcingles in place of purpose built breaststraps. Some horses are shaped in such a way that the saddle tends to slide back frequently. In other cases outfits operating in hilly terrain may have found them useful because of the natural tendency for saddles to slide around when going up hill.

I'm sure there were a few guys who were confused as to where to put the surcingle, but that wasn't the main cause of them putting it on the horses chest.

Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

[CJSchumacher]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Dave,

I had thought of that, but there is no real strength that way. It will stay, but it slips off too easily, and it gets in the way of other items strapped on front. Also, It would appear to be more decorative than supportive in that way, but it does fit. I'm still trying to figure out why they used it this way. I guess if a trooper received all the tack and did not know what this was, it might make sense to try and use it as a breast strap.

I think most horse people then, as now, would know what a surcingle is and what its meant for. Its just a very utilitarian piece of horse equipment that can be used as an overgirth, or a makeshift breastrap. You've even mentioned another method of use...as a blanketing overgirth.

IF necessary (most often not, people use it for the "cool" factor), just throw it over the pommel as 1st Maine Trooper mentioned. It will stay and work fine. Its not ideal because its not what it was really meant for. It may seem loose, but will tighten as and if the saddle begins to work back. Personally, I think most saddle slippage is due to improper saddling, but that's an entirely different discussion...

Again, not common...but plenty pictorial evidence to support. Only use if absolutely necessary. Otherwise...do without as intended.

Photo: 1st DE Cav.

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Chris has posted one of the several existent period photos of surcingles used as breast straps. There are others out there...

Scott, it sounds as if you are "supposing" without trying it. It does work as Tom, Charles and Chris have stated. I used one that way for a couple of years before I had Doug Kidd make me a period style civilian model (hand sewn) with the jappaned black ring in the center.

[1sgtscot]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Mike,

I wasn't sure how to attach it, that's why I asked. I have ridden with it looped over the front of the saddle and around the horse's neck, but not very tight. I have never loaded the saddle with all my campaign equipment and wanted to know how before I tried it. Thanks for the reply.

Sgt Scott

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

Scott:

I don't know if there is a "the way" to attach the surcingle to the saddle when used as a make shift breast strap. I looped mine through the opening in the pommel to keep it from slipping. Worked for me.

[forrestcav]

Re: Surcingle as breast strap

I'm with you Mike. I had a "late war" horse years ago and the saddle was every where. So I improvised the surcingle through the pommel and around the neck. It got me through the weekend and I got a new more robust horse.