Civilian horses tack

[sigsaye]

I have about 125 acres of open farm land in south central Kentucky. I will want to ride out and check on things every now and then to make sure the lads are doing ok and having fun. I' m about 60, so will be doing a civilian impression and was looking for appropriate civilian horse tack. Any suggestion?

Steve Hesson

[Mark Choate]

Re: Civilian horses tack

Hi Steve,

There are many ways to answer your question and while I don't know the social status of the character that you wish to portray, I will go out on a limb and suggest something that is derived from an English style basis. Some ideas would be the photos below. The saddles shown, from left to right are: Morgan muley, Somerset, generic English style, McBride (actually a post war saddle, but the style was same as many pre-war) and a Kilgore wagon style. The final photo is for a headstall suggestion and you would want a simple design. This particular one is a rolled leather halter-bridle and has a Pelham bit. A flat strap style with a basic curb or snaffle bit would be good. These are just some ideas. There are many, many more.

Hope it helps,
Mark

[sigsaye]

Re: Civilian horses tack

Mark, thank you for your quick reply. That is exactly what I was looking for. I'm not so much looking for a specific impression. I've opened the land up for reenactors to use, and just want to be as period correct as possible to go out and check on folks, make sure they are ok, finding the water and such. In real life I'm retired military, so would tend to the guy who left home, fought in the Mexican War, fought Indians and bandits in Texas, then came home and bought some land for a bit of quiet. I live in Kentucky, so when the war omens, while I tend towards the Union, really don't want any part of it and just want to be left alone, guard my cows and chickens and keep an I on my fences

Speaking of which, if any one out there is looking for 125 acres of undeveloped land with ponds, streams, thick woods rolling hills and open fields, shoot me an e-mail. Great for infantry and cavalry. Has a paved road leading to it, but after that just dirt trails. There are a couple of weekends in spring and fall where we run bird dog field trials, but other than that, it's available for events, tactically or training weekends.

Thanks again,

Steve Hesson

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Civilian horses tack

Hi Steve,

Welcome! In additon to what Mark offered I might also suggest you look at a couple of threads on the cavalry forum that delved into this subject.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?18546-1860-Farm-saddles&highlight=Farm+saddles

Further, a look at the photo pages at this web site might be of help in developing a direction you wish to pursue...

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

Go to Photo Galleries.....19th century Civilian Saddlery... etc.


Ken R Knopp

[sigsaye]

Re: Civilian horses tack

Ken, thank you very much!

Steve Hesson