The Model 1928 McClellan saddle

The aftermath of massive wars has usually been followed by a time of adaptation and modification of previous equipment, in order to utilize the existing massive surplus stocks. In the 1920s, as in the years following the Civil War, there were official modifications to military saddlery that were performed by company and regimental saddlers. The testing for the proposed improvements to the M1904 McClellan began in 1923-4 and resulted in the adoption of the modification known as the Model 1928 McClellan. This saddle reflects the changes in the theory of horsemanship that took the military world by storm before the war. Based on the work done by Caprilli of Italy, the method was taught to many officers attending the Saumur riding school in France before, during and after the war. This theory, basically stated, emphasized a closer relationship between the movement and action of the rider and horse. In terms of equipment changes to the McClellan, it would require increased leg contact with the animal, which had never been very good to begin with, and shorter, lighter stirrups.

The actual changes in the saddle are quite noticeable. The old rigging was cut away at the edges of the saddle, with the quarter straps nailed down and sewn into the edge. The old stirrup straps were discarded and replaced with lighter weight straps, usually equipped with roller buckles.

The hooded wooden stirrups had their hoods removed, and a large section of the stirrup was band sawed off, so that the tread would measure about 2", instead of 4.5".   Unaltered hooded stirrups were used as well.

The greatest change was the addition of a saddle skirt and "english" type girth webbing and straps. To accomplish this, the seams on the outer edges of the saddle were opened. The skirt was nailed to the surface of the tree, after which the girth webbing was nailed down. The straps, three in number, were usually sewn and riveted to this webbing. At this point the cover seam was resewn. This may have been done to retain the strength in the seam and save time. Later modifications also replaced the sheepskin linings with hard felt pads, sewn on as were the previous sheepskin linings. The girth was also changed during the 1930's, with the olive webbing being supplemented by a mohair cord girth. This latter girth was also issued with the M1936 Phillips officers saddle.

The first M1928 "kits" were furnished to organizational saddlers in 1931, so the M1928 designation is somewhat of a misnomer.