Hi John,

Suggestion: I'd ask on the cavalry sites about this. I bought some very good saddles over my contacts on the internet(6 or 7 saddles) over the last several years. Prices have ranged from $450 to $700 and usually included bridles and other items. Everyone I have bought from has been honest and fair. I feel fortunate to get good deals and do business with great people. But to get great deals you usually have to jump on it fast.

I used to tell the unit members about these deals and found they really didn't know what a good saddle was worth and were looking for a $100 saddle. They took too long to decide and the deal was gone. Once they saw what I had received, many troopers bought the saddles from me at my cost. It's a good way to get the unit outfitted with good gear.

There IS garbage out there too. Don't by on eBay, I have yet to see a decent saddle there.

I was selling a saddle for $450 but it was bought by a fellow out here. I know one guy selling a saddle in the unit - he might pipe up here (Rick?). But the saddle is an 1874 model unsuitable for CW cavalry.

Here are some sites you might want to ask on:
Delphi Cavalry Forum
http://forums.delphiforums.com/cwcavalry/start/
Authentic Cavalry Discussion
http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/vBulletin/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=184
CWReenactors Discussion Forum
http://www.cwreenactors.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi
Military Horse
http://www.militaryhorse.org/forum/

Good luck in your endeavor,
Capt. Ahearn

Lin;
Thanks for all the information. I just bought a whole new complete set from Doug Kidd again. Bridal, headstall, surcingle everything for 1300. And letting one of my troopers by my last set,. about 7 years old for 500.
I know what you mean about no hesitation when you see one. I was planning on the same thing as purchasing it and then resell it at cost. That's what I am trying to do now.
I used to go on the Delphi Board to gather information. But there were a few radicals on it so it wasn't worth it. I'll try to get back on it.

Thanks again; John

John;
As Lin mentioned, I have an 1874 model I am looking to sell, but is not really right for CW. Right now I have loaned it to a guy who is learning to ride so he can get some practice and the feel of a McClellan. But if you are interested at all, let me know and I will send you details and pictures. I recently purchased an 1859 from Doug Kidd for my hard to fit horse and am very pleased.

Did you check out the saddle blankets with Chas. Childs? They are excellent. Well, good luck on your shopping.
Rick

Thanks Rick;
We are using Two borrowed 74's right now. But we may want to get one as a back up later. I just got a new saddle again from Doug Kidd myself. I have a retired race horse that's 16+ and a little hard to fit. The 11 1/2 never really fit quite right for me or Too Tall. so I went for a 12 and it sure made a difference. The blankets were a little expensive. But thanks for checking. We get our blankets from Doug also.
John 7th NYC