custer photo

[malachi]

On page 33 of Mr. Knopps 2001 book on confederate cavalry equipment, there is a
photo of Custer sitting what is said to possibly be a captured confederate horse. He is
seated in a skeleton rigged Jenifer saddle. There is no blanket under this saddle.
I read that there were Jenifers which had to be padded due to incorrectly shaped
bars. Is this what we are seeing here, or do you think it probable that he just hopped
aboard for a photo opp sans blanket? I normally ride a universal pattern troopers
saddle for trail and field trials and they have felt padding sewn over the bars, but we
still use saddle pads. It sure looks like the rawhide tree is in direct contact with the
horses back in the photo. It was done just for a moment wasn't it?
By the way, if anyone knows where a body can get a good print of this photo, I would love to have one as I have always loved this image.
with regards,
John Gregory Tucker

[Mark Choate]

Re: custer photo

Hi John,

It almost has to be just a photo op moment. Regardless of the fit of the bars (and the Jennies get a really bad rap on this) he would not ride with the saddle in direct contact of the horse for any period of time.

When you weave into this the fact that it is Custer, who was probably the biggest publicity hog of the 19th century then yep...........you've got yourself a photo op.

thx,
Mark