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7th Tennessee Cavalry
Company D

Historic Saddles

The Plantation Saddle

 Hope

Jenifer

 McClellan

English Saddle

Plantation Saddle

The Plantation saddle was derived from the English saddle of the colonial era, which was characterized by its flat seat. The pommel and cantle were slightly higher on the Plantation for better security. Although the stirrups are missing on the example at left, these were usually made of iron or brass. The saddlebags are large and typical for the era.

This saddle was most popular along the Atlantic seaboard and where gaited horses were bred. The smooth trot of these horses, such as the Saddlebred, allowed the rider to negotiate the long rows of agricultural fields at a fast, easy pace.

Pre-war mounted militia units were usually comprised of the most prominent citizens of a local community and their saddles often continued to serve in a military capacity. Many of these saddles proved inadequate, however, after the outbreak of hostilities. On a long campaign the flat seat could sore a horse's back as it lost weight. Except for a few officers, most of these were replaced with more practical open-slotted saddles when they became available.

 Hope Jenifer McClellan

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