Saddle
1859 McClellan Saddle used by the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard
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The standard saddle used was the 1859-pattern McClellan. Capt. George B. McClellan developed the saddle's design after his travels in Mexico and Europe in the 1850's.
A distinctive feature of the saddle was the rawhide seat, which was adopted for economy. The McClellan saddle, which weighs approximately 18 pounds, was designed for the comfort of the horse. Additional parts of the saddle were the M1859 bridle, the M1859 girth, the M1863 curb bit, two canteens, feed bag, lariat and saddle bags. This saddle, with certain modifications, was used by the cavalry until World War II.