Saddle Tree Makers...

[TexCavly]

Re: Saddle Tree Makers...

Here is the one I was talking about. Looks like your example. http://www.willghormley-maker.com/Cu...ddle-Tree.html

[GAR]

Re: Saddle Tree Makers...

Charlie,

To everyone else: I got a chance to see Todd Kearn's new saddle from Stuart Lillie this past weekend...what a work of art! I have never seen a repro saddle with such craftmanship and attention to detail as the one Todd's got. If you're looking for a CS or civilian saddle I highly recommend Stuart's work.

Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

Tom- I've had several email exchanges with Stuart when I was looking for a better McClellan saddle. Although he has the same concerns about the quality of trees available, he has planned to make his first Federal '59 Mac this summer. Hopefully it will go well and Federal saddles will become part of his future catalogue.

He explained the reason why thick leather isn't better on a saddle, which I had wondered about. He wrote that the strength of the leather is in the smooth, dyed surface. The extra thickness in leather is made up of fat, which adds nothing but unnecessary weight for the horse to carry.

He also ridiculed the notion that some saddlers make, that thicker leather stands up better to the rigors of reenacting. What is more rigorous? Using a saddle a couple of times a month for just part of the year, for 20 minute battles, usually in dry weather? Or using a saddle every day of the year, 8 to 12 hours a day in all kinds of weather? It made sense to me.

G