Saddle Cloths

In the cavalry business it is sometimes difficult to find vendors that make the stuff you want. Civil War era items are fairly easy to get but some Indian Wars Period (IWP) equipment is sometimes challenging. We used to have trouble getting saddle blankets. The IWP blanket has a yellow stripe woven into the gray blanket. It has only been in the last few years that these became available. IWP canteens has been another challenge. However, one item that everyone has trouble getting is the officer's saddle cloth for the McClellan saddle. There is only one vendor who makes them--Rems Farms. The owner of the business, Mr. Ted Jones, is in his eighties and I recently learned that he is in the hospital. I tried to call his business to inquire about getting some more saddle cloths but I was informed that due to Mr. Jones' condition they were not sure if the business would continue. They called me back today and let me know that they would go ahead and fill our order which was good news. Although Mr. Jones is apparently not doing well. Fort Hood also has a big order in with them so between the two of us there is enough demand to keep them busy making these items. Those of you military units that want to keep this vendor in business may want to order some saddle cloths also. If these guys go downs we will have to find another vendor who can make these cloths according to Army specs. One other comment about Mr. Jones is that he would always write on the receipts the statement, "God bless the horse." He truly loved the business.