Saddles

The Museum collection includes some interesting saddles. One of them was produced some time between 1873 and 1928 by Frank A. Meanea. This saddle is one of the items that will be featured in the upcoming exhibit, Git Fer Vegas, Cowboy!

Frank A. Meanea (1849-1928) was one of the most accomplished saddle makers of the territorial period. He was born in Missouri and made his way to Cheyenne, WY around 1868. There, he worked with his uncle E.L Gallatin in the Gallup & Gallatin Saddlery. By 1873, Frank had taken over the business. He developed innovative aspects of saddles, including the “Cheyenne Roll” cantle. He produced other items of cowboy rigging, like chaps and gun holsters. Cowboys considered his products, especially his saddles, high quality. Notables like Buffalo Bill Cody, Theodore Roosevelt, Charles M. Russell and the Canadian Northwest Mounted Police owned items produced by Meanea.

There is no doubt this Meanea product was the work-a-day saddle for its owner. There have been several repairs, the fork leather has been worn down and the padding is failing. The high desert climate has taken a toll on the leather: it’s curled and a little cracked. In spite of hard wear, the saddle is in amazingly good condition. The famous Meanea style and tooling are evident, as is the maker’s mark, high on the seat.

Linda Gegick

Museum Administrator