NPS Santa Fe National Historic Trail
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  • 0918. Shops Building—Saddler

    Click here for closed captioned video.


    Typical duties of a saddler included repairs to saddles, bridles, halters, and other leather equipment found on the cavalryman’s horse; harness used by horses and mules when pulling wagons; packsaddles used by horses and mules to transport supplies and equipment; and leather belts, holsters, rifle slings, boots, and shoes. Additionally, he would repair the canvas of tents and wagon covers, leather on the blacksmith shop’s big billows, and anything made of cloth or leather. He also made items such as looped cartridge belts, dispatch cases, and items which either he designed or others requested, based on need or want.

    Soldier's gear hanging on the wall of saddlery shop.
    Soldier's gear hanging on the wall of saddlery shop.