McClellan Saddles

[traildust@webtv.net (Anne Hanson)]

Back in the l950s I worked as  head riding instructor  for a chidren's
summer camp.  We had a string of 20 horses of all types breeds ages and
dispositions.  To fit these horses we had l2 original army McClellan
saddles and 10 Sear's western saddles.  We used carpet samples for
saddle blankets.   I found that the McClellan saddles only fit the
horses that were thoroughbred type with slim shoulders and well defined
withers.  The camp liked these saddles because they were easy to repair.
I never did find them comfortable to ride tho as they were hard in the
seat and lumpy under the leg and the heavy hooded stirrups made your
legs and ankles tired.   I understand that the cavalry horses were
mostly Morgan or Thoroughbred  crosses so these saddles mostly fit this
type of horse.  Certainly not typical of the average Arab's conformation
today. 

Happy Trails to you until we meet again.
Traildust (Anne Hanson)
Critters (Rambler, Miner and Squirt)