Sizing a McLellan?

[Oregon Bill]

Boys, I am putting in an order for a McLellan saddle. Had one and lost it. From what I can gather, these saddle seats are measured much differently than current western saddles. How do you measure one for a good fit?

[Major 2]

A question I'm very familiar with,  re-loading & ballistics not so much  

but I digress ,

Typically, the McClellan tree is measured   11" 11 1/2" & 12 "    " this is measured at the points between the bottom of the pommel arch on the side and the corresponding point at the rear ... the  lower arch of the cantle ... (Green Line in photo)
These were then marked with pommel shield plate in the size.

(on the other hand a western saddle is measure from center point below the horn to the top of the radius ( that is inside) of the cantle, Red Line in photo )  

11" would be the smallest  & obviously 12 " the larger ... 12 " Mac. if measured like a Western saddle would be about a 15" tree ...

There was some variation, in the Pommel & Cantel shape between the M59  & the 76, 85 but the real variation came with 04 (and M28)
If your doing a period saddle, don't use a 1904 tree... ( it wouldn't be quite right shape wise )

There are some very good Saddlers doing good replicas , (I used to build them myself) I'd suggest Border States Leather Works or David Corrico leather Works , but but in no particular preference, bot Doug Kidd & and David are friends and are fine fellows.

( a bit of warning , there are some imported resin trees , in larger sizes,  These came I believe from Argentina  They might measure
more like 14" Mac. style = 16-17" western measurement. Steer clear of these they are not very good, don't fit a Modern horse well and will sore their back )

[Major 2]

I'll add , the Makers  offer 12 " it is the most common , and if you are average to larger size the 12"  will fit you fine

Shields on 1904 McClellans  note:  the rounder lower and more blunt pommel shape...the 04 also is a bit lower & less rounded in the cantle VS the M59 & M76

[Oregon Bill]

Major, I owe you a mug of suds for your wonderfully informative reply. Thank you. I have been in contact with David Carrico and I am on his list. I'll specify the 12-inch seat. He of course builds his trees to fit comfortably on a modern quarter horse. Otherwise it will be stock Model 1859 as issued and used here in Oregon during the Snake Indian Wars from 1864-1868.

[Major 2]

You will get a fine Saddle from David... I'm not sure who make the Trees now .. in my day Hercules became Superior Saddle Tree co.
and there was guy Joe Barefoot in Ga. as well ....

In any case, they are US made and rawhide covered ... good trees and you won't sore a back.

the Argentine imports were plastic & fair leather covered and straight as a plank
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002HNTFEK/ref=asc_df_B002HNTFEK2799290?smid=A16EQQFLPSKFJZ&tag=pgmp-1373-97-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B002HNTFEK

I love the line " Now you can ride just as the Cavalry men of yesteryear with this authentically styled saddle. Great for anyone who gets involved with war re-enactments."   

steer clear of this crap

[Niederlander]

You can't believe everything you read, Major!  Sort of like the "shootable bore"; yes, you can see daylight through it so I suppose it's shootable!

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

When you get your Mac make sure you get one of these:

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1012/BC8100?utm_source=amazon&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=amazon%2Bdata%2Bfeed

Now you can not only ride and shoot like a cavalryman, you can rope like one, too!!!   

G.

[Major 2]

When you get your Mac make sure you get one of these:

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1012/BC8100?utm_source=amazon&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=amazon%2Bdata%2Bfeed

Now you can not only ride and shoot like a cavalryman, you can rope like one, too!!!   

G.

"  by America's greatest western saddler "  WOW        yeah ... maybe South America

[Oregon Bill]

Ha ha, you'll not likely see me roping anytime soon. If you saw me ride -- or attempt to -- you'd know why ...

[Major 2]

Remember to purchase a surcingle ( both Dave & Doug have these )
if you want a breast strap they also offer these ... some horses will accept a Crupper,  another may just launch you the first time you try it.

[Pitspitr]

I'm not really a horse guy, but I thought that cruppers were really only used on harness.

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

I'm not really a horse guy, but I thought that cruppers were really only used on harness.

Not necessarily.  It's used to keep a saddle from sliding forward.  If you've got a horse with low withers and you're riding in steep terrain then it would likely be a worthwhile addition.

But, as noted, you'll have to accustom a horse to a crupper; that's usually  not required of a breast collar/hunt plate.

G.