Interesting Image

[Outrider]

Howdy All,

I couldn't decide whether to post this here in the Cav folder or in the Civilian folder. Ultimately, I decided on both since it is a civilian image but may have interest for some of you as well.
As many here know, I am very much into mounted civilian portrayals these days and have spent the last several years researching the subject to the best of my ability as I wish to bring the same amount of dedication to accuracy into the various impressions available to me as I have always tried to do with cavalry impressions. With that in mind, I have spent much time looking into civilian saddlery tack etc.
This is a very rare image from the collection I have built up over time. I have decided now to share some of them that I have with anyone who is interested in such things. I do have some good ones. Can anyone say civilian farriers.... at work?....I have several I would share with anyone interested.
This is clearly a western image though I do not know the location. I do know it was struick in the late 1850's. I strongly suspect it is a Texas image.
The cool part is that it clearly shows a very fine example of a California style rig complete with hooded stirrups and a leather Mochilla- or saddle covering-. This type of saddle was quite common in the western states from the early 19th century on through the CW period and is the style of saddle that comes highly recommended for long distance travel in Capt. Randolph B. Marcy's "The Prairie Traveler"
Forgive me if I am preaching to the choir here, but I highly recommend this book to anyone doing any mounted impression be it military or otherwise. Valuable insight into maintenance and care of a hardworking riding horse of the day.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the image. It is an interesting one.
Note it was struck in front of what according to the signage, appears to be the "toll house."

[IMG]<a href="http://s853.photobucket.com/albums/ab99/saddlebound/?action=view&amp;current=untitled-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab99/saddlebound/untitled-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Interesting Image

Mule with a roached mane!

[Outrider]

Re: Interesting Image

Yep Mike it is roached and I have also come across many images from the 1840's-50's clearly showing private civilian riding horses with roached manes. That is a point I have always argued with anyone who would:wink_smil that it was not an uncommon practice in the period we portray or in any period since the time of the Roman Empire for that matter.

Having said that Europeans of the period seem to have been particularly fond of the practice. I will leave that up to others to judge whether or not it was as common or less so in America. Though I have reason to believe it was, always was ,and still is in some circles.

[volcav]

Re: Interesting Image

Roaching a mane is pretty practical and it looks neat, as in well groomed. I don't know why people would be opposed to the idea that our ancestors would do something so practical. I can see cutting off a mane full of cuckleburs on horse or mule that isn't going into a show ring. When I was a kid my Dad roached my pony's mane and told me cowboys did it a lot.

[Barry Smithson]

Re: Interesting Image

It would give up the handle I need to mount my 16.3 horse!

[FloridaConscript]

Re: Interesting Image

very cool image. i'm not cav guy, but If I was, i'd be inclined to mules.

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: Interesting Image

There is a reason for the "stock horse cut" mane, cut correctly there is a hand full of mane left at the wither for a handle... Roaching a mane also keep the hair from fouling a rope or reins too.

As far a needing a handle to mount Mark and I (and a few others around here) have an advantage of being gifted with long legs... but if we ride anyting under 16h we look like we are on Shetlands....

[ButtermilkRanger]

Re: Interesting Image

Outstanding photo! As a mule man and a lover of saddles w/ mochillas, this pic is now one of my favorites. This mule could be a twin of my mule today. Most of the modern mule people I know tend to frown on anyone who doesn't roach a mule's mane. As a rule, I always roach mine and blunt cut the tail. If I had clippers, I'd shave the base as well. When I was a kid it was in vogue to roach a horse's mane in this part of the country. Rarely did you see a horse or a mule with a long mane. Most people argued that long manes were too much trouble because of the heat, cuckleburrs, and mud. Mostly I think the reasoning was due more to personal preference than actual fact. Nowadays long manes are in and I hear equally convincing arguments to the contrary.

I've always thought the argument that a roached mane is farby was hogwash. They would have done it then for the same reasons we do it now... most of which go back to personal preference and practicality.

[Ronnie Tucker]

Re: Interesting Image

So, do you think that roached forelock and bridle path are approriate? Has anyone seen a picture of a horse without a forelock?

Ronnie Tucker
7th TN

[Outrider]

Re: Interesting Image

Hi Ronnie
There is "Gimlet" who appears to have both a roached mane and forelock.
[IMG]<a href="http://s853.photobucket.com/albums/ab99/saddlebound/?action=view&amp;current=Service-Secret-Agent.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab99/saddlebound/Service-Secret-Agent.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

[Outrider]

Re: Interesting Image

Larry, I had a feeling you would like this one. It is a really cool image.

[malachi]

Re: Interesting Image

I don't know wether or not they ever clipped manes or not but the british cavary actually used to crop or bind up all their horses tails. I could never find out why. Napoleon always considered this a cruel practice on their part and rightly so. No fly swatters.
John G Tucker

[forrestcav]

Re: Interesting Image

That's one fine looking mule there.

[malachi]

Re: Interesting Image

I don't ride in Tapaderos so I've always wanted to know if it is hard to get you foot in once they look like the ones in the mule image? Modern saddles have a bar that holds the tap in shape.
John Tucker

[Outrider]

Re: Interesting Image

I have well worn hooded stirrups (technically they are not Tapaderos) on my Texas, they are beat up and misshapen but I have never once had a problem getting my feet in or out of them. Quite the contrary in fact. Mine or correct wieght and correct period dyed leather and that may help. I would not want the big heavy leather ones I see on so many reenactor's rigs but that is just my opinion.