Wooden stirrups and civilian breast collar measurements

[Jack]

I have just finished my Hope saddle and was lucky enough to take it on a trail ride in Texas, where my sore butt was a result of riding 20 miles a day, and not the saddle. As time wore on my butt stopped hurting which it would not have done if the saddle had been poor. Thanks for the reference from those who responded to my query about some one good to make my tree. I used Mr. Marcus. Great job!

As we are all trying to improve our impressions, I am looking for help on measurements in making correct stirrups and civilian breast collars. Measurements, pictures and leads are most welcomed. Any time from 1850's on would be fine.

Thanks,

Jack Mc Coy

[moarkcav]

Jack:

Are you talking about stirrups or stirrup leathers? When making breast straps I have always used measurements from my horse as I ride an Arab and most gear is made for QH. Next to coat straps this is the simplest thing to make.

Also I would love to see a picture of the rig you made. As someone who makes a little tack on his own it is always nice to see what the rest of us amateurs are making.

We are looking to fill the mounted ranks for Marmaduke's Raid this September. Take a look at the site and let me know if you have any questions.
http://campjacksonboy.googlepages.com/home

Thanks,

Chris Talburt

[Capt. "Texas" Elliot]

Hi Jack, sorry for the hijack. A pic of my 'Hope' saddle. I am still fine tuning it to suit the horse and myself. I got it from Arena Leather in the states (I am in Australia).

I would love to see some pics of your rig and hear more about your ride.

[ButtermilkRanger]

Not to stir up a hornet's nest, but does anyone have anything definitive as to when the double-rigged "Sam Stagg" type rigged saddles first appeared on the American market? It was my understanding that they probably were first used in the late 1860s as an adaptation to the growing cattle market. On the other hand, both Texas and California already had a cattle market prior to the war, so it stands to reason that they may have made an appearance by the 1850s?

And what about the saddle boot depicted in this pic? Were they seen prior to the late '60s as well?

[moarkcav]

Larry:

I know that it is not a scholarly search but a “google” on history of rifle scabbards turned up the following.

http://www.cochiseleather.com/wester...and_Scabbards_

By the way are you planing on being at Marmaduke's Raid?

Thanks,

Chris Talburt

[Capt. "Texas" Elliot]

Hi Larry, please be aware that the rifle bucket I am using is a modern bucket that I have had for a while and I am just using it until I have a period version made. I didnt post the pic to say "hey, look at my period gear". Heck, if you look real close you will see my mid 1990's Seiko wrist watch on my left wrist.

I am new to late 19thc re-enactment and am still working a lot of stuff out. I am mainly approching it from the point of view of looking better when doing mounted shooting.

I usually spend my time doing medieval re-enactment and jousting in particular, www.jousting.com.au.

Opps, forgot to sign off.

Cheers

Rod

[ButtermilkRanger]

Larry:

I know that it is not a scholarly search but a “google” on history of rifle scabbards turned up the following.

http://www.cochiseleather.com/wester...and_Scabbards_

By the way are you planing on being at Marmaduke's Raid?

Thanks,

Chris Talburt

Thanks, Chris. As of right now, I'm planning on being at Marmadukes with a couple of pards. But with diesel at $4 a gallon, who knows what the future holds? Thanks for the link.