I've got my eye on the 1776 Walker Saddle and have an interest in making one, or having one made. What I really want is pictures. I would settle for good documentation that has a description of the saddle, but it seems that material on this particular saddle is really hard to find.

I figured since you all seemed to know a great deal on historical horse tack, that maybe one of you would know something about the Walker saddle.

If anyone could give me a hand with this project, I would REALLY appreciate it!

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The best saddler I know, who has extensively studied 18th & 19th century military and civilian saddles is Doug Kidd, of Border State Leatherworks. He has had access to the Fort Sill museum collection, learned his trade at Colonial Williamsburg, and learned harness-making from the Amish, as he wanted to learn how it was hand-done from people who use the harness every day. He is also a loriner (bit maker.

He has 3 decades of experience, so he would be the first fellow I would contact for getting information about any late 18th or early 19th century American military saddle, and he would definitely be my first choice for a maker of same. I have a grimsley custom made for my horse by him, and I have ridden in several other of his saddles - he does top notch work.
http://www.borderstates.com/

He is also a cavalry reenactor of extensive experience, and teaches a military horsemanship "school" several times a year for reenactors.

[ 10-16-2007: Message edited by: chef de chambre ]

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