McClellan saddle

M1859 McClellan saddle of the Civil War period, displaying its rawhide seat covering. Fort Kearny State Park and Museum, Nebraska

The McClellan saddle is a riding saddle that was designed by George B. McClellan, after his tour of Europe as the member of a military commission charged with studying the latest developments in engineer and cavalry forces including field equipment.[1] Based on his observations, McClellan proposed a design that was adopted by the Army in 1859.[1] The McClellan saddle was a success and continued in use in various forms until the US Army's last horse cavalry and horse artillery was dismounted late in World War II. Today, the McClellan saddle is used by ceremonial mounted units in the US Army. The saddle was used by several other nations, including Rhodesia and Mexico, and to a degree by the British in the Boer War. The saddle came in various seat sizes that predominantly ranged from approximately 11 to 12 ½ inches.[2]

  1. ^ a b "McClellan Saddle". Smithsonian Museum of American History. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  2. ^ "How to Properly Fit a McClellan Saddle". Gilmore Horsemanship. Retrieved 27 February 2017.