I've ridden many miles in a 1913 model mule McClellan. It's heaven on =
horses and hell on riders. The saddles generally came in only one =
tree size per year but because of the way they are designed they can =
be made to fit almost any equine. The seat sizes do vary somewhat. =
People who ride drafters love them because they will fit a drafter =
and I've used them on ponies. They can be used to pack, ride and can =
also be used in a harness situation with a jerk line type harness.
As far as the rider goes I'm a chubby female and the split hits me =
right at the wrong spot on my rump so I always was sore. I prefered =
the double rigged mule models to the single rigged horse models =
because the rigging was right where my knee would go and caused =
bruises and rubs. If you can find one an officers model will have a =
half seat for some years that is really comfy. I've also used a =
fleece seat saver that helps a bit.
If you are buying an older saddle then you should check out the book =
United States Military Saddles 1812-1943 by Randy Steffen. It's the =
most complete for what was or was not on a particular year's model. =
Be cautious buying a real old McClellan because the leather may have =
rotted. Also, I've been finding some fakes that are being sold as =
originals with high prices to match their "collector" status.
There are several companies making modified or reproduction =
McClellans. Anyone who is involved in Civil War reenactments can give =
you names and addresses. One place is the
American=A0Military=A0Saddle=A0Co.
5343 Norwood Avenue
Riverside, CA 92505
(714) 354-6644
Catalog $3
They make both McClellan and mule saddles and I think theirs are to =
the original US Army patterns.
There is another company that makes a McClellan type saddle that was =
originally designed for the Rhodesian Army. It's a modern version =
with wider tree and longer bars. I can't find their address though. I =
can check with a friend who bought one and get back to you if you are =
interested. I have heard that the Australian Army, which just =
reactivated a cavalry unit, is now having modified McClellan saddles =
built for them. Perhaps one of our aussie members can help with that =
source.
If you want a McClellan type saddle but in a modern form then IMO you =
canpt do better than get an Orthoflex Patriot. I've ridden in one and =
as soon as I have the $ I want to get one. They have the narrow twist =
of the McClellan, that I like, the benefits of the Orthoflex panels =
for fitting and a much more comfortable seat.
Oogie McGuire - oogiem@dsrtweyr.com
Weyr Associates - Multimedia and Web Authoring Services & Consulting
Desert Weyr - CMK Arabian horses & saddle mules for endurance and show
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