Civilian Saddlrey??

[IowaYank]

Hello all, Next August my pards and myself may be doing a mounted civilian/homeguard impression. Concerning saddle and tack to use, who is a maker of quality civilian saddle and tack? I am not very familiar at all with civilian saddlrey. Would a Hope be an appropriate saddle for such an impression??

[drytortilla]

A Hope saddle is certainly a period correct saddle but it would depend on your persona whether or not you should use one. I would think a Hope would be more of a Southern saddle than anything.
drytortilla

[paul9thky]

A hope would be correct for confederate, but if I'm not mistaken (which I could be) even union homeguard units recieved somewhat good supply, so a MCclellan would be okay too.

check out Snellen saddlery for civilian saddles they've got a great authentic selection. http://www.snellensaddlery.com/saddles.htm

you might also consider Doug Kidd, aslo great selection. http://www.borderstates.com/

[csabugler]

Morgan "plantation" style saddles are very correct for confed, civilian, even fed. They are a comfortable ride.
Patrick

[VaTrooper]

I'll bite on this. First of all "Hope" was a man/company that made Texas style saddles so it's best not to refer to a Texas saddle as a Hope because you'd be refering to one company's work. Everyone, myself included, makes this mistake at first. IMHO a Texas saddle would be fine for what your looking to do. Karl Pepper makes a good Texas saddle for the money. Mine was only $550 but it was pretty basic, quarter strap rigged with a half covered seat. Stay away from Snellen! Doug Kidd does good work but his prices go way up when it's hand stitched and not vat dyed.

www.glennpierdepot.us