History:

The McClellan saddle was originally named after the Lieutenant who created it just prior to the Civil War. It was the standard issue Army saddle used until the mechanization era, being redesigned several times for function and comfort.

Designs:

There are several versions of these, though few of the true original Civil War era. Original versions will have a hooded leather wooden stirrup while the later versions will sport the more basic English metal type hardware. Also the originals are hornless (a swell yes, but no horn) while later versions do have a horn. In addition, originals are single-cinched while later versions are double-cinched. Some are rigged with a figure 8, quarter rigging strap through the front and rear rings in order to make it more easily adjustable for the large sliding rigging-ring to which buckles by means of another adjustable strap. It sounds more complicated than it really is.

Other standard equipments with this saddle inlude a crupper, coat straps, and sweat leathers. McClellans are usually russet in color, but black ones have been known to exist. McClellans are still made today, though mostly for mule folk as these generally fit mule backs better than the revolutionary Quarter Horse type trees.

To Learn More:

To learn more about McClellan saddles or view designs in order to build one for your model mules, we reccommend the book "The Modern Mule" by Paul & Betsy Hutchins, available through the ADMS. There's a very good section in the book about these saddles, and have two very good diagrams or illustrations showing the differences between the early and later versions.

If anyone has a good clear photo of a McClellan to share along with this article, I would be more than happy to add it here. Thanks.

(This Page last updated: March 30, 2001)

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