Camp saddle stand?

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Gents,

I was perhaps, a bit harsh. My sincere apologies to Mr Bradford. It was not intended so. My point was to show a bit of the reality of the contemporary trooper's perception of his equipment. Yet, the fact remains the AC is not the place for this kind of discussion. Historical context and relevancy are paramount here. Anyone, especially newcomers are most welcome and encouraged to post here but some "pre-posting" discretion is advised. If anyone is not sure about a question or comment then they should "first" use the search engine. If there are still concerns- ask another member or, send a PM to me. This is not meant to be condescending either by myself or for this group and I hope it wont be taken as such. Its just the facts.
This confirms my personal belief that mentoring is the more appropriate way to go and would prefer to see all of us undertake that responsiblity as we see fit. Again, I offer my apologies. Thank you!

Ken R Knopp
Moderator

[GAR]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

No apologies needed except by perhaps me. I have posted similar ignorant questions on ACW in the past that were met with a lot of hostility and condescension. I do not feel that here, thank you, and have great respect for those who answered this thread. I do wish to explain my motivation for the question, so please bear with me.
The saddle in question was made by Mr. Myrick and it's highly valued for it's authenticity. Those who suffered my earlier questions know it took the better part of the year for me to find the right saddle. And it is a great saddle and surprisingly comfortable. There is one huge aspect where it does fail in terms of authenticity, however, and that is the fact that it was not issued. I had to pay a lot of money for it and then a lot more to complete it with fenders, hooded stirrups and saddlebags. I consider this rig to be irreplaceable as my funds for this hobby have now been depleted. If it gets damaged, I can't requisition a new one, I walk. So I'm less inclined than the soldiers we represent to just toss it around in the dirt. Now since I'm asking about a camp / garrison situation as opposed to being on campaign, I was hoping to learn some trick with a rope, log, hay bale or something, especially when the ground is damp.
Perhaps I'm being too cautious, so allow me to ask the real question here. How durable is this saddle? Placing an inverted V on the flat surface of the damp ground concerns me. I don't want the tree to warp. Is there any danger of this happening?
Now if I was on a campaign, I wouldn't worry about so much as there is less likelihood that some kid would be stepping on it. Besides, those aluminum saddle stands probably wouldn't add much weight to the horse, and with a little canvas, could probably be rigged into a convertible sunshade top for those hotter rides.
Regards,
G

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Gary ,
We have all made investments here too. Some of us have made so many that we share them so new guys can come in.I make more investments in fuel to get to events than in kits . We use them just like they did and treat them just like they did in the field . Please ask these kind of question in a private manner to avoid embarrassment to your self .

[GAR]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Of course I was up on him again early Sunday morning, itching for a fight too. Why didn't you Colorado boys come out for a ride around the lake with us? You surely got the invitation, didn't you?

No invitation received, but we were busy with our Sunday communion with God anyway. Our Chaplain takes it somewhat personal when we don't attend his service.
My borrowed mount was giving me trouble that day, so it might've become a ride through the lake. I found out after the weekend was over that this had been one of his first times on the field. "Dress that line!" I'm trying, sir!
At one point, he tried to buck and shuck me off. When that failed, he laid down and stayed there for several minutes, looking like he was going to fall asleep. He could've at least had the decency to wait until the battle to do that. Having a horse take a hit would have looked cool.
Lamoni sure was a pretty location.
G

[GAR]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Gary ,
Please ask these kind of question in a private manner to avoid embarrassment to your self .

Jerry, my ADHD prevents the right filters to kick in sometimes. As for being embarrassed, that's one of the things I gave up after 9/11. I've always believed that open communication is key to learning, and prefer not to pretend to know more than I do. I believe that questions, both good and bad, help the hobby and sometimes stir interesting debate. I don't wish to rock this boat, so there will be no further open questions from my end, if that is what is preferred. If someone thinks less of me for asking a stupid question, then all I can say is dilligaf.
No offense intended or taken. You guys are all great.
G

[ethan harrington]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

All,
I have but one thing to say then no more, READ the books this is the most studied conflict of them all and with the age of the internet you can read 24/7 for a lifetime and not get it all, my dad started renacting back in the 70's when it was really hard to do research and you would find it in pockets and the company newsletters if you had one were hand typed and such. had written letters to folks so on and so on....... The point is that I learned how to do my "our" hobby by studing the subject and then applying common sence to it as well. Not trying to be a butt but read your books man they will tell you every thing you need to know and if not read another one till it does the only book on the subject that I never got anything out of was my kids text /history books.

Ethan Harringon
member of the "good Cav events are hard to come by" mess.

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

While it is understandable to express and exhibit concern over the items in our kits, please allow me to throw a few items out for digestion and possibly further discussion. There are many types of reproductions available, at one end of the spectrum are the museum grade reproductions, where the materials, patterns and methods of construction yield a product that rivals its original artifact counterpart. At the the other end of the spectrum are fanciful creations based upon someone's imagination of what an item should or could look like. This is the AC. We are supposed to be toward the museum grade level of things in our material culture. With that being said, the items we carry and use are intended to be used as the soldiers and civilians of the period used them and to expect a similar level of wear and longevity. No none of us can requisition a replacement, BUT a broken X resulted in a soldier incapable of performing his duties until said item was replaced. In short the items were made to last. That is why the Army developed a list of standards and required the contractors to adhere to them. The items being used for patterns and copied today have passed the test of time and usage. Being weekend warriors we can in a lifetime of reenacting never subject these items to the wear and tear the artifacts saw on a daily basis.
In conclusion, take the time to ask questions and make certain an item purchased passes the test and use it as intended and there should be few issues with wear and durability. Horse related gear while exposed to far more stresses then any other items of kit are no different. Things will wear and they will break and require repairs and replacement, but good reproductions will last longer, be more durable and have more longevity than poor ones.

Dave Myrick

[TexCavly]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

During "In The Van" my wagon driver couldn't stand his harnesses or saddle being on the ground so we found a tree and lopped of some branches leaving just enough of each branch to hang it all on.

[TexCavly]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

How durable is this saddle? Placing an inverted V on the flat surface of the damp ground concerns me. I don't want the tree to warp. Is there any danger of this happening?G

I know that McClellan trees where painted white before being covered with rawhide, so logically it should protect the wood.

[GAR]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Okay, thanks. I'll stop being conscientious and not worry about it then as I'm sure Mr. Myrick made mine to last.
Ethan, be sure to read my new book "Why did I buy all this crap?". It's a sequel to my popular "How to set up your camp in just under six hours!".
Seriously, thanks all for your input. It's appreciated.
G

[Andrew German]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Gary,

When on campaign, as Dave, Ethan, Jerry, et al. have described, we use our saddle for a pillow.

However, if you are doing an educational program rather than an in-the-field event, you might consider a natural saddle "rack" that approximates those used by a unit in extended bivouac or winter quarters. They cut off posts approximately three feet high and then extended a horizontal tree tree trunk (or several in line) across them to hang the saddles on. The headgear would either be laid over the saddle or hung on a nearby post for ready access.

Of course you could rig up such a rack on the march if you bivouac in a wooded area, but its very unlikely you'd damage your saddle on the ground by sleeping on it.

Andrew German

[RCR001]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Yes, Gary, Lamoni was great and all these AC fellers might ought to take notice. The Campaigner portion Friday Night was excellent and the hunt for them Saturday morning .... to die for. Sean Slocum had two 2x4 posts, about four feet long. He dug holes and planted those posts about eight feet apart right up beside his main tent. Then he mounted a 8' 2x4 to the posts. This made an excellent place to rest his saddles. No doubt authentic and time period correct. It worked well. He had three or four saddles on it and rubber ponchos over them when it rained. It looked good and I'm sure it would serve your purposes.

Next year, when that Rebel on the White foxtrotter comes over early Sunday morning and shoots one of your guys....... Invite me in for breakfast instead of pointing that little cannon at me. LOL. Good Times, pard. Good Times.

[Mark Choate]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

Gary,

As to the durability of the saddle, it is quite durable I can assure you. In the 18 years that I have been doing this, I have owned 12 - 14 saddles and still have most of them and I am fairly rough on them. Not abusive, however. When sleeping and it rains, I have it under my head and I pull a piece of blackened canvas up to cover me and the saddle. I have to pull my legs up a bit into a "fetal positiion" so nothing is sticking out, but you will learn to do this and also pull your weapons, haversack, etc up under you so that it stays reasonably dry. Your body and the saddle will create a peak with the blanket and much of the rain will shed off. It ain't the Hilton, but it will get you by. Then when I get up, I tuck the saddle under the blanket and on top of the bedroll. You will learn various ways to keep it somewhat dry and if the ground is soaked and you take it off, you can stir up some leaves or brush to lay it on. If it gets a little wet, no big deal. However, watch for the rawhide getting really wet as it can loosen some and you don't want to tear it. When it dries, it will come back to itself.

It is a shame that there are so few long weeklong campaigns anymore, due to political correctness, space requirements, and a host of other things. It is a great way to learn what you need to carry and how to treat things. You would do yourself a great service to get with some buddies and go to a national park or some where that allows riding and strike out for a few days, living out of the saddle. Great education and it shows you much about yourself and your mount.

Sorry, kinda went off on a tangent there :wink_smil........When you get back from a soaker, just put a light coat of oil on the leather. About once a year, I take all my saddles down and clean the leather with a good saddle soap or leather cleaner. Before it completely dries, rub a light coat of oil on the leather. Go very light on any of the weight bearing portions (ie. stirrup leathers, girth, etc.) as too much oil can cause the fiber of the leather to break down.

Your saddle will actually look better with good rugged (not abusive) use and if you clean and treat it, it will serve you for many, many years. So don't hold back, let 'er rip.

hope it helps,
Mark

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

"... right up beside his main tent...

John-- If you are on "campaign," unless the regiment's wagons come up, you most likely don't have a tent. In this part of the world, it's what you have on your saddle that you live with. Read Mark Choate's excellent post above and note what he uses. For most of us, it's a ground cloth, blanket and a saddle blanket. MAYBE someone has a tent fly, carried between the saddle blanket and saddle.


For an OUTSTANDING perspective of CW cavalry on campaign, read David Evan's excellent "Sherman's Horsemen." Indiana University Press, 1996. Available through the normal on-line sources

[OldKingCrow]

Re: Camp saddle stand?

MAYBE someone has a tent fly, carried between the saddle blanket and saddle.

MAYBE more than you think........

“One evening we reached the top of the Allegheny Mountains just before dusk and bivouacked in the forest. We had no wagons and of course no tents nothing in fact but what each trooper carried on his saddle. Every man was supposed to have a small tent fly rolled up behind him. These were about six feet long and perhaps eighteen inches across two of them buttoned together and stretched across a small pole cut from the forest and supported by two forked sticks formed a little shelter under which two men could crawl and have some protection from falling weather. Just at dusk snow began to fall and it was evidently to be a heavy one. Quickly then these tiny shelter tents began to spring up in the forest. But unfortunately for us neither Adjutant Griffin, nor I possessed a tent fly So we had no resource but to lie down and cover up with what blankets we had and a rubber overall this as quickly as possible before the ground had become covered with the snow. This then we did while our comrades standing by the little feeble fires of brushwood bade us good bye saying. “We expect to find you buried alive in the morning”. This expectation was literally realized for Tip Griffin and I were covered up by a blanket of snow eight inches deep buried, but still alive. Tip though had the advantage of me for he slept soundly with his head completely covered while I, requiring fresh air was compelled from time to time to lift the cover whereupon the snow would roll in our saddles making a little mound behind our heads and then the heat of my body would melt it so that I had a most miserable night not because of the cold for the snow kept me warm but by loss of sleep and the discomfort of lying in a pool of melted snow almost suffocated with the weight of the snow on my head “

A soldier's recollections: leaves from the diary of a young Confederate ... WITH AN ORATION ON THE MOTIVES AND AIMS OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE SOUTH By Randolph Harrison McKim LATE 1ST LIEUTENANT AND ADC SD BRIGADE JOHNSTON'S DIVISION, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA p.244

CJ Rideout
Tampa, Florida