Additional options for the Full and Standard Package
Tooling: Select
Silver: Select
Pad: Select
Strings, brass and hardware: Select
Stirrups: Select
Cinches: Select
Breast Collar: Select
Head Stall:  Select

This saddle is a modern replica of the original McClellan saddle used by the US Civil War horse-drawn artillery units.  There is a still active unit located in New Ulm, Mn.  This militia was established in 1863 for the city of New Ulm.  Don Tauer, Cathy's husband, has been a member of this militia since 1997. Don works, trains, and rides the draft bred horses for many of the Battery's major functions.  The original McClellan saddle was developed for men during the 1800's who averaged in height of 5.5 to 5.7 and weighed  116 to 123 lbs., and who rode horses that were extremely narrow with razor type withers, (very much like the thoroughbred track horses of today.)  We know exactly how this original equipment can hurt a horse and cause him to perform badly. This now modern McClellan Battery saddle has two important distinctions from the original: It’s comfortable for you and won’t cause pressure points on your horse. The substantial width dish in the seat makes it extremely comfortable for long hours of riding at any gait. The slightly narrowed rise helps keep you in the pocket of the seat for all day riding.  The stirrup straps are adjustable for more security during fast stops. The whole package makes riding glorious. The ability to tie gear front and rear is legendary.

Seat Size: 15, 16 and 17
Weight: 19, 20 and 21 lbs.
Panel length: 22.7, 23.77 and 24.77 inches. All designed for up to a 3-inch scapula overlap.
Bar length: 20, 21 and 22 for 15, 16 and 17 inch seats
Saddle color: Black, brown or two tone
Seat Type: Smooth Black or Brown Upholstery Cowhide
Seat Style: 1 inch Soft-Seat or the standard ½ inch smooth neoprene padding. How to know?
Blocking: N/A
Fenders: Slide fenders.
Fork: Slick and 4 inches high, measured from base seat..
Horn: N/A
Cantle: 5 inches tall and 11.5 inches wide. Height measured at back of cantle is 3 inches.  Depth of Seat
Embossments: Yes, on seat flap - US
Hardware: Brass in the traditional time period or Stainless Steel. Additional hardware? Specify quantity and where to place.
Rigging: Dropped cross fire with adjustable Stainless Steel sliders and with 14-inch long nylon reinforced one-inch English billets.
Stirrup hanger bar: 3-position for a 1-inch leather or 2 inch biothane strap.
Stirrup leather: Top grain 1" nylon reinforced leathers with sleeves on a three position stirrup hanger bar.
Saddle pad: Saddle sox - synthetic in brown or black Codura with black or white fleece.
All About Saddling DVD and Leather Care Kit:  Yes View
Additional options: Available

Order Form Print off and turn into your nearest dealer

The 2011 model with rigging flap and traditional design, including brass irons.

Border tooling - shoreline.  Brass hardware, strings, easy ride stirrups.

With matching breast collar

The Photo below is the ORIGINAL 1867 McCellan Saddle that is STILL in use today.

Soft Seat

The Tree on the RIGHT is the McMullen Saddle tree. 
The Tree on the LEFT is the Endurance saddle tree.

Standard padding or the extra padding of the Soft Seat - that is the question.
    

Center photo of lighter color saddle DOES NOT have the extra padding that is in the Soft Seat.

Why select the extra padding of the Soft Seat? 
 There are some points to consider when deciding to select this option-with the Soft Seat.  First, you will lose some of the room that the saddle has to offer for your rear-end - so if you are between sizes use this to help gauge your seat size. Secondly when you select the Soft Seat, you will lose a bit of the "pocket" to sit down in, (since the extra padding is now there for your rear-end and /or your bone-y butt bones). Lastly, with the Soft Seat, the saddle will have a bit of a narrower twist. The twist is the part that is between your thighs (your crotch area). Therefore, if you like a narrower twist, have a bony butt or need a smaller seat size, adding the extra padding of the Soft Seat is key.

The Soft-Seat is soft and easy to care for.  It has NO stitching lines that can fill up with dirt and grime making a saddles seat difficult or impossible to clean.  Also having a seat with no stitching keeps the saddles seat soft, as the more a saddles seat is stitched the firmer it becomes.