MADE BY A REENACTOR FOR REENACTORS!
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Working to keep alive that grand and glorious
albeit tragic time when brother fought against brother
for a cause each believed in enough to die for.
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David starts a fire in the forge in preparation for some blacksmith work.
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In 1986 David Yossi Snellen was still in his teens but he and his father, David (who goes by Dave to eliminate confusion) opened a small shop in Taos, MO, and so began Snellen’s Tack Room. In 1991, after David completed his study with an expert saddle maker, they began specializing in Civil War items. In 1994 after a move to California, MO, the business name was changed to Snellen Saddlery, and so the name remains, as does the emphasis on correct reproductions for the 1861-1865 era. However, other items for years prior to and after the War Between the States are also manufactured, such as Hope saddles and some items from the Old West.
David’s interest in the War Between the States has led him to do extensive research, visiting numerous museums to study the styles of saddles and tack used during that period. Many of their designs are reproductions of these artifacts. The patterns are made by David who sketches the design of the saddle, documenting the authenticity with the curator. Other styles and designs result from information gleaned from his vast library.
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After the metal until it glows red hot,it is shaped into a dee ring that will be used on a McClellan saddle.
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David and Dave can often be found in the shop until the wee hours of the morning or burning the midnight oil as they work to complete an order. They take great pride in their work and use only the best grade of leather available for all their saddles and tack. In order to be as accurate as possible, much of the hardware and the bits are poured by a foundry using special molds owned by Snellen Saddlery.
All saddle trees are new, covered with rawhide, and of top quality. They come with Quarter Horse bars (unless otherwise requested) for the comfort of the modern horse. Holsters can be either universal or form fitted for specific guns. Also available are customized breast collars, hand painted from the customer’s line drawing and color specification as well as the standard breast collars with either the brass eagle or plain brass heart. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed so you can order from Snellen Saddlery with confidence.
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Inside Snellen Saddlery
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Watch for Phil Spangenberger on the History Channel’s "Wild West Tech" series and other popular television programs.
Phil Spangenberger, television personality and technical advisor for such stars as Mel Gibson, Patrick Swayzee, Charlton Heston, Richard Drefuss, Paul Hogan (Crocodile Dundee), and many others, chose a saddle made by Snellen Saddlery to ride both for enjoyment and for use in his documentary television work.
Phil says: "Whether I’m on the trail or a film production set, my saddles and other horse equipment get lots of hard use. I need historic saddlery and gear that is both authentic and solidly built. That’s why I chose a Snellen Saddlery 1859 McClellan and equipage. I’m impressed with the workmanship, the authentic detailing, and rugged construction."
Mr. Spangenberger is on the board of directors for the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CSMA) and is the director for the Civil War Class competition of the CSMA. He is seen each year in the Tournament of Roses "Equestrian Festival" and has served as Grand Marshall for the equestrian entry of the parade.
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