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I am doing a bit of research right now and thought I might share some information "exclusive" to you mounted fellas on the AC.....
The following is a small excerpt of a project I am currently working on. This is my research and writing so I accept all blame for its errors, ommissions and, of course, grammatical sloppiness. But, dont be too unforgiving as it is taken a bit out of context and an early draft. Still, as it is presented here, it should still be easy to follow and understand. It is also a "work in progress" so will likely be tweaked considerably before being published. Due to lack of space I have omitted all footnotes (they are considerable) and several other photos. Nevertheless, I just wanted to share it and I hope folks enjoy it.....Ken R KNopp
Early Hope & Texas saddles. Their history and identification...
......About the same time another saddle tree emerged in American culture that would achieve legendary status and world wide recognition. In 1820, Connecticut native Moses Austin obtained from Spain a grant of land for an American colony in Texas. Austin planned to lead a group of immigrants there but died before he could carry out his project. After Austin’s death, his son Stephen obtained confirmation of the Texas grants from the newly inaugurated Mexican government, and established a colony of several hundred American families on the Brazos river from 1821-23. This group became known in Texas history as the “Old 300" or, the first organized, approved influx of Anglo-American immigrants into Texas. Between 1824 and 1828, Austin granted 297 land titles under this contract. Each head of household received a minimum of 177 acres or 4,428 acres depending on whether they intended to farm or raise livestock.
Among these colonists was recent widower James Hope, his three sons (Prosper, Adolphus and Richard), six daughters and a servant. James Hope was born about 1775 in England where he had been a farmer, cordwainer’s apprentice, slipper maker and owned a tannery. Hope arrived first in New York about 1802 then journeyed to several other places before finally West Feliciana Parish Louisiana about 1815. From there he moved to Texas under Austin’s land grants sometime before July 1824 where he received title to property in what is now southwestern Brazos county. The March 1824 Texas census lists Hope as a “farmer and stock raiser”. Then in 1836 he went back to England to settle some family estate issues. However, he never returned. According to family history upon his return voyage James Hope was believed to have been lost at sea. Before leaving Texas he had left his youngest son Richard in charge of his farm and property which included a large number peach and nectarine trees. Born in Louisiana Richard Hope inherited not only his fathers Texas land but apparently his cordwainer and leather skills as well.
In 1834 twenty year old Richard opened a saddle tree shop in Washington on the Brazos. Richard’s father James had owned a boot and shoe making shop in Bayou Sara Louisiana before coming to Texas so it appears likely that his father had helped him establish the business before leaving for England. It was here Richard Hope developed the widely renown saddle tree that bears his name. Although finished in an endless variety of ways it was the uniqueness of the Hope tree that caught the attention of the Texas frontier.
In July 1835 Richard served for a time in Capt. George Barnett’s company of Texas Rangers and later Capt. James Swisher’s company formed by the Independent Republic to fight Indians. Both company’s were organized in Washington and were among the first officially organized units of Texas Rangers. According to the history of the Texas Rangers, at this time its mounted rangers used “Mexican saddles improved somewhat by Americans”. Given Richard’s affiliation with the Rangers and the location of his saddle shop it would seem likely that at least some of the saddles used by the first Texas Rangers were built upon Hope saddle trees. Richard also served in the Texas Army during the Battle of San Jacinto and later, periodically as a 1st Lieutenant in Capt. William W. Hill’s Texas Ranger Company under Col Edward Burleson’s Ranging Corps of Mounted Rifleman. Each time he returned from duty to his saddle shop to build saddle trees that were fast gaining a considerable reputation across Texas for their quality and durability. In 1855 he was listed as building saddle trees under a partnership with Nashville native Henry R Cartmell. By the time of the Civil War Richard had married twice, fathered several children but was still making saddles in Washington having gained a certain level of prosperity on the rough Texas frontier. The 1860 Census has Richard listed as a “saddler” with assets of $10,000 and personal assets of $3,200. However, by the 1870 census Richard is listed as a “Farmer” and considerably poorer. Hope remained in Texas until his death in 1887. Today, he is buried in an unmarked grave in Rio Vista, Johnson County Texas. It is not clear why he discontinued making saddle trees but likely the economic and political turmoil of the war contributed to the demise of his business and with it his fortunes.
The saddle tree constructed by Richard Hope in the 1830's was an instant and huge success with the rapidly immigrating Anglos who were now arriving in Texas in great numbers. Although no doubt quickly being plagiarized by other Texas saddle makers Richard Hope was likely the first to Americanize the Mexican vaquero saddle into something different and acceptable. Clearly adopting its nearly identical rawhide covered tree including pommel, low cantle and bar configuration from the Mexican saddle, what made the Hope different from it and the St Louis pattern Spanish saddle tree was its wide but low, flat horn, lower cantle and simple, unadorned craftsmanlike finish. More importantly, its allure was broad based having a low profile shape, utility, durability, comfort and yet security that appealed to the average horseman seeking safety and comfort for both horse and rider, as well as the cattleman roper in the emerging Texas frontier cattle industry. In short, beyond its notable utilitarian qualities it became “Texianized” enough to differ it from Mexican, Spanish and English saddles and thus appeal to the independent spirit of the Texas anglos who wished to separate themselves from all past or perceived allegiances.
Other makers across Texas were turning out “Hope’s” saddle too. In 1856, the San Antonio firm of Rice & Childress provided the U.S. Army War Department with 400 Hope saddles for experimental use with the 2nd Cavalry. Although the War Department ultimately decided upon another official saddle for cavalry service the Hope was clearly favored by nearly all who used them. Moreover, its popularity was beginning to grow well beyond the Texas border. The saddle tree originated by Richard Hope was generally known under that name in Texas; outside the state non-Texans increasingly appear to have simply called it the “Texas” saddle. Regardless, this saddle pattern was the first of the truly classic American horned saddles and became an iconic cultural symbol for America with influences lasting well into the modern era................
THE HOPE/TEXAS/STOCK SADDLE: As the first of the two “classic” American horned saddle patterns, the Texas saddle tree was invented by Richard Hope in 1834. Like the later California saddle, the Hope saddle tree evolved from Mexican influences but with clear and distinct differences from those patterns most notably in the shape of its pommel, cantle and horn. While many Texas saddle makers made them, the “Hope” was the first name applied to these horned, Texas-made saddle trees. However, by the 1860's this began to change as the term “Texas saddle” was more often being applied to this pattern of horned saddle tree- at least by non-Texans. Early Hope/Texas saddles were rawhide covered. The finish of the pre Civil War tree varied widely from full coverings to half seats; various quarter and girth strap rigging; and decorative features but most had Mochillas. The war offered opportunity for wide exposure of the pattern but the saddle’s natural comfort and utility engendered an explosive increase in its popularity. After the war the horn of the Texas saddle became smaller, the pommel and cantle varied gradually got higher and the seat deeper largely attributed to its practical applications for working cattle and riding broncs. Other innovations appeared along the way too that were soon embellished by catalog saddle makers of the period such as double rigging, Sam Stagg rigging and varieties of jockeys, most significantly, skirt patterns that now went under the tree simulating but replacing the mochilla. As the Texas saddle evolved into the late commercial catalog era it came in many configurations but is generally observed with squared jockey’s and skirts, a narrow fork, higher horn, cantle and deep seat.
Note: Applehorn saddles with/without Mochillas were popular from the 1850's through 1870's. The large Mexican “dinner plate” cap horns apparently came into fashion in the 1860's but were never very popular with most Americans. Steel horns were a useful innovation but did not appear with regularity until about the 1880's . Heavy steel stirrups came into fashion in the 1890's then faded away by the 1930's. Over the decades catalog Texas saddles grew larger, heavier and by 1900, eventually morphed into the cowboy’s trademark “stock” saddle albeit still primarily designed for the casual riding trade. Although having the same foundation as the Hope and Texas, the horned Morgan saddle was an entirely different genre developed after the war. It should also be noted that the typical catalog era Texas and stock “riding” saddles were not generally of the same quality as stock or ranch saddles by other makers that specialized in that “working cowboy” genre.
A "few" of the photos...............(captions in reverse order relative to photos....)
PHOTO: 1850's Hope or Texas saddle tree. The primary difference from the Spanish saddle tree was in the shape, size and width of the horn cap and the graceful bars. Though borrowing heavily from the Mexican vaquero (estradoita) saddle the Hope was the widely acclaimed forerunner to the Texas saddle. Up until the Civil War the saddle was known as the Hope but afterwards simply as a “Texas” saddle.
PHOTO: This original Hope Saddle is believed to be one of those made in 1857 by Rice & Childress of San Antonio Texas for experimental trial by the 2nd Cavalry. Courtesy of the Ft Sill Museum.
PHOTO: 1850's era Hope or Texas Saddle with and without its mochilla. Note the wide stirrup straps looped through the bars. Although double-rigged, this was not widely common until after the war for ranching operations that required roping.
Illustration: A rather typical post war catalog Texas Saddle as offered by Jacob Straus Saddlery Co. of St. Louis from their late 1880's catalog. Texas saddles were wildly popular and were found in nearly every eastern saddle catalog from the 1870's through 1920's. They varied widely but usually had a high horn, deep seat and squared skirts meant to simulate the mochilla. Most of the genre seem to employ the Samstagg rigging (leather twist around the horn) and double girths while horns, seats, stirrups, skirts, jockeys, fenders and leather tooling varied among makers and the desire of the purchaser.
The following is a small excerpt of a project I am currently working on. This is my research and writing so I accept all blame for its errors, ommissions and, of course, grammatical sloppiness. But, dont be too unforgiving as it is taken a bit out of context and an early draft. Still, as it is presented here, it should still be easy to follow and understand. It is also a "work in progress" so will likely be tweaked considerably before being published. Due to lack of space I have omitted all footnotes (they are considerable) and several other photos. Nevertheless, I just wanted to share it and I hope folks enjoy it.....Ken R KNopp
Early Hope & Texas saddles. Their history and identification...
......About the same time another saddle tree emerged in American culture that would achieve legendary status and world wide recognition. In 1820, Connecticut native Moses Austin obtained from Spain a grant of land for an American colony in Texas. Austin planned to lead a group of immigrants there but died before he could carry out his project. After Austin’s death, his son Stephen obtained confirmation of the Texas grants from the newly inaugurated Mexican government, and established a colony of several hundred American families on the Brazos river from 1821-23. This group became known in Texas history as the “Old 300" or, the first organized, approved influx of Anglo-American immigrants into Texas. Between 1824 and 1828, Austin granted 297 land titles under this contract. Each head of household received a minimum of 177 acres or 4,428 acres depending on whether they intended to farm or raise livestock.
Among these colonists was recent widower James Hope, his three sons (Prosper, Adolphus and Richard), six daughters and a servant. James Hope was born about 1775 in England where he had been a farmer, cordwainer’s apprentice, slipper maker and owned a tannery. Hope arrived first in New York about 1802 then journeyed to several other places before finally West Feliciana Parish Louisiana about 1815. From there he moved to Texas under Austin’s land grants sometime before July 1824 where he received title to property in what is now southwestern Brazos county. The March 1824 Texas census lists Hope as a “farmer and stock raiser”. Then in 1836 he went back to England to settle some family estate issues. However, he never returned. According to family history upon his return voyage James Hope was believed to have been lost at sea. Before leaving Texas he had left his youngest son Richard in charge of his farm and property which included a large number peach and nectarine trees. Born in Louisiana Richard Hope inherited not only his fathers Texas land but apparently his cordwainer and leather skills as well.
In 1834 twenty year old Richard opened a saddle tree shop in Washington on the Brazos. Richard’s father James had owned a boot and shoe making shop in Bayou Sara Louisiana before coming to Texas so it appears likely that his father had helped him establish the business before leaving for England. It was here Richard Hope developed the widely renown saddle tree that bears his name. Although finished in an endless variety of ways it was the uniqueness of the Hope tree that caught the attention of the Texas frontier.
In July 1835 Richard served for a time in Capt. George Barnett’s company of Texas Rangers and later Capt. James Swisher’s company formed by the Independent Republic to fight Indians. Both company’s were organized in Washington and were among the first officially organized units of Texas Rangers. According to the history of the Texas Rangers, at this time its mounted rangers used “Mexican saddles improved somewhat by Americans”. Given Richard’s affiliation with the Rangers and the location of his saddle shop it would seem likely that at least some of the saddles used by the first Texas Rangers were built upon Hope saddle trees. Richard also served in the Texas Army during the Battle of San Jacinto and later, periodically as a 1st Lieutenant in Capt. William W. Hill’s Texas Ranger Company under Col Edward Burleson’s Ranging Corps of Mounted Rifleman. Each time he returned from duty to his saddle shop to build saddle trees that were fast gaining a considerable reputation across Texas for their quality and durability. In 1855 he was listed as building saddle trees under a partnership with Nashville native Henry R Cartmell. By the time of the Civil War Richard had married twice, fathered several children but was still making saddles in Washington having gained a certain level of prosperity on the rough Texas frontier. The 1860 Census has Richard listed as a “saddler” with assets of $10,000 and personal assets of $3,200. However, by the 1870 census Richard is listed as a “Farmer” and considerably poorer. Hope remained in Texas until his death in 1887. Today, he is buried in an unmarked grave in Rio Vista, Johnson County Texas. It is not clear why he discontinued making saddle trees but likely the economic and political turmoil of the war contributed to the demise of his business and with it his fortunes.
The saddle tree constructed by Richard Hope in the 1830's was an instant and huge success with the rapidly immigrating Anglos who were now arriving in Texas in great numbers. Although no doubt quickly being plagiarized by other Texas saddle makers Richard Hope was likely the first to Americanize the Mexican vaquero saddle into something different and acceptable. Clearly adopting its nearly identical rawhide covered tree including pommel, low cantle and bar configuration from the Mexican saddle, what made the Hope different from it and the St Louis pattern Spanish saddle tree was its wide but low, flat horn, lower cantle and simple, unadorned craftsmanlike finish. More importantly, its allure was broad based having a low profile shape, utility, durability, comfort and yet security that appealed to the average horseman seeking safety and comfort for both horse and rider, as well as the cattleman roper in the emerging Texas frontier cattle industry. In short, beyond its notable utilitarian qualities it became “Texianized” enough to differ it from Mexican, Spanish and English saddles and thus appeal to the independent spirit of the Texas anglos who wished to separate themselves from all past or perceived allegiances.
Other makers across Texas were turning out “Hope’s” saddle too. In 1856, the San Antonio firm of Rice & Childress provided the U.S. Army War Department with 400 Hope saddles for experimental use with the 2nd Cavalry. Although the War Department ultimately decided upon another official saddle for cavalry service the Hope was clearly favored by nearly all who used them. Moreover, its popularity was beginning to grow well beyond the Texas border. The saddle tree originated by Richard Hope was generally known under that name in Texas; outside the state non-Texans increasingly appear to have simply called it the “Texas” saddle. Regardless, this saddle pattern was the first of the truly classic American horned saddles and became an iconic cultural symbol for America with influences lasting well into the modern era................
THE HOPE/TEXAS/STOCK SADDLE: As the first of the two “classic” American horned saddle patterns, the Texas saddle tree was invented by Richard Hope in 1834. Like the later California saddle, the Hope saddle tree evolved from Mexican influences but with clear and distinct differences from those patterns most notably in the shape of its pommel, cantle and horn. While many Texas saddle makers made them, the “Hope” was the first name applied to these horned, Texas-made saddle trees. However, by the 1860's this began to change as the term “Texas saddle” was more often being applied to this pattern of horned saddle tree- at least by non-Texans. Early Hope/Texas saddles were rawhide covered. The finish of the pre Civil War tree varied widely from full coverings to half seats; various quarter and girth strap rigging; and decorative features but most had Mochillas. The war offered opportunity for wide exposure of the pattern but the saddle’s natural comfort and utility engendered an explosive increase in its popularity. After the war the horn of the Texas saddle became smaller, the pommel and cantle varied gradually got higher and the seat deeper largely attributed to its practical applications for working cattle and riding broncs. Other innovations appeared along the way too that were soon embellished by catalog saddle makers of the period such as double rigging, Sam Stagg rigging and varieties of jockeys, most significantly, skirt patterns that now went under the tree simulating but replacing the mochilla. As the Texas saddle evolved into the late commercial catalog era it came in many configurations but is generally observed with squared jockey’s and skirts, a narrow fork, higher horn, cantle and deep seat.
Note: Applehorn saddles with/without Mochillas were popular from the 1850's through 1870's. The large Mexican “dinner plate” cap horns apparently came into fashion in the 1860's but were never very popular with most Americans. Steel horns were a useful innovation but did not appear with regularity until about the 1880's . Heavy steel stirrups came into fashion in the 1890's then faded away by the 1930's. Over the decades catalog Texas saddles grew larger, heavier and by 1900, eventually morphed into the cowboy’s trademark “stock” saddle albeit still primarily designed for the casual riding trade. Although having the same foundation as the Hope and Texas, the horned Morgan saddle was an entirely different genre developed after the war. It should also be noted that the typical catalog era Texas and stock “riding” saddles were not generally of the same quality as stock or ranch saddles by other makers that specialized in that “working cowboy” genre.
A "few" of the photos...............(captions in reverse order relative to photos....)
PHOTO: 1850's Hope or Texas saddle tree. The primary difference from the Spanish saddle tree was in the shape, size and width of the horn cap and the graceful bars. Though borrowing heavily from the Mexican vaquero (estradoita) saddle the Hope was the widely acclaimed forerunner to the Texas saddle. Up until the Civil War the saddle was known as the Hope but afterwards simply as a “Texas” saddle.
PHOTO: This original Hope Saddle is believed to be one of those made in 1857 by Rice & Childress of San Antonio Texas for experimental trial by the 2nd Cavalry. Courtesy of the Ft Sill Museum.
PHOTO: 1850's era Hope or Texas Saddle with and without its mochilla. Note the wide stirrup straps looped through the bars. Although double-rigged, this was not widely common until after the war for ranching operations that required roping.
Illustration: A rather typical post war catalog Texas Saddle as offered by Jacob Straus Saddlery Co. of St. Louis from their late 1880's catalog. Texas saddles were wildly popular and were found in nearly every eastern saddle catalog from the 1870's through 1920's. They varied widely but usually had a high horn, deep seat and squared skirts meant to simulate the mochilla. Most of the genre seem to employ the Samstagg rigging (leather twist around the horn) and double girths while horns, seats, stirrups, skirts, jockeys, fenders and leather tooling varied among makers and the desire of the purchaser.
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