Second Post of the Day
Yesterday I pulled the two sidesaddles out of my car and, for lack of a saddle stand, set them on the backs of my dining room chairs. (Along with two riding habits.) I can see them much of the day. Whoo hoo!
I doubt Craig is as excited as me to see them, but he is too nice a guy to say anything and knows that they are only there short term.
This is the 19th century sidesaddle, dating probably from the Civil War Era (1861 - 1865).
A clue is that the seat is covered in the fabric that was used for carpetbags during the Civil War time period.
Take a look at this beautiful and unusual stirrup iron!
The leather has lovely decorations, too. I don't know how that was accomplished - stamping the leather, maybe? Regardless, I love all the gentle curves.
As I did some research yesterday, I came across some George Stubbs and Thomas Gooch paintings from the 1750s and realized that I had a saddle that could be used that represented the 18th century better than the Civil War sidesaddle.
I'm still thinking about it, but I may take the Civil War sidesaddle back to Leslie and use the other one in its place.
Stay 'tooned!
