Stuart Lilie, Saddler

02/05/2026

Filling backorders: 1 1859 Federal Bridle, Halter, Link Strap, Lead Strap, & Saddle Bags.

12/22/2025

After months of 250th Anniversary excitement, it was great to take a break and set hardware onto two Heartland House McClellan saddle trees.

11/07/2025

1770s French general officers saddle housing laced and ready to line.

11/02/2025

16th Light Dragoon sergeants coat done. Now back to horse furniture.

08/16/2025

Jay Howlett guided me through my first saddle, bridle, holsters, & etc. Stuart Lilie Saddlery would not exist without his patient mentoring. He passed yesterday. Rush on Boys.

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07/13/2025

Building a 16th Light Dragoon sergeant's coat for an order, along with catching up on saddles.

06/26/2025

Just awaiting stirrups for this Ca. 1775 British light dragoon saddle and all it's equipment to go out the door.

04/14/2025

Cutting out three breastplates for British light dragoon saddles.
Before adding a third strap down to the girths in the 1790s British light dragoon saddlery accounted for the curvature of the horse's chest with this angle. Check it out here: https://www.rct.uk/collection/search #/64/collection/406830/battle-scene-15th-light-dragoons

04/14/2025

Installing brass cantle binding onto a new British Light dragoon saddle.

04/12/2025

I don't know how I missed this in Captain Robert Hinde's 1778 'Discipline of the Light Horse' before but...

"J A C K E T S.
All the regiments of Light Dragoons in the King's service, have shewn the exemplary spirit ever since the peace, to add to their necessaries, by unanimous desire of the private men, A Jacket, in
order to preserve their cloathing, and to make a more than ordinary fine appearance.

In return for that spirit among the men, the officers are to take care, that the Jackets are kept in repair, with the strictest oeconomy, that the men may not be put to the expense above once in three years.

The Jackets having been thus established as a regimental necessary, the men are answerable for cleanliness of them, as much as of any other part of their cloathing, and are equally amenable to punishment, if they destroy or misuse them."

01/19/2025

Saddle time!

01/09/2025

Why two buckles on baggage straps? Because they were, "very convenient." From the latter days of the Seven Years' War until 1796, in service British Light Dragoons carried their cloaks on top of their cloak bag (also called portmanteau, valise, necessary bags, or bags). These baggage straps carried both securely together. The 1796 regulations for British cavalry moved the cloak onto the front of the saddle, making these double baggage straps unnecessary.