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The McClellan saddle, named after Civil War
general George B. McClellan, looks little like the sturdy western saddles
of today. This saddle, which was commonly issued to the cavalry of
Custer’s day, was developed by McClellan over the course of several years,
starting with his observation of cavalry troops during the Crimean war.
Several different types of saddle were vying for the government contract
during the pre-Civil war era, and the McClellan won — mostly because it
was durable and cheap.
The McClellan’s most unusual feature is a split down the center. This hole was designed as equine air conditioning, keeping both horse and rider cool in summer. In the winter, cavalry riders wore greatcoats, heavy wool overcoats that hung down on each side of the horse. The McClellan’s unusual design allowed the horse’s body heat to be trapped under the coat, this time keeping the rider warm. The McClellan was in use in the U.S. Cavalry through World War I. Although many recommendations were made to change the style of saddle used by the cavalry, supply outweighed demand — the U.S. government had warehouses full of these saddles, and used them until they were gone. |
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