First Post of the Day
As I prepare for Feast School Days, I've looked at a lot of 18th century paintings, one of the best ways to find documentation about life in the 18th century. This painting made me pause - something I'd already passed over was perfect for my presentation!
I ran out to the barn and retrieved my dragoon blanket from my tack trunk. It had been stored in there since my high school years when I was riding in my high school dragoon unit.
Thanks to Susan Bensema Young, I have learned that the actual name for a dragoon blanket is "shabraque."
I have done some research but found conflicting information as to who actually used the shabraque in the militia. Some sites say that they were used by officers to help militia members distinguish who was in charge; other sites say entire regiments wore them.
It you want to see some really beautiful reproductions, Hussar Saddlery is a good place to go.
George Washington with a shabraque. (See the bearskin on the pommel covering his gun powder?)
My shabraque has been in my tack trunk for fifty plus years but it is in good shape. Still, it needed a washing and after checking the fabric content, I decided to wash it in cold water and on a gentle cycle. (What? You don't wash your saddle blankets in your own washing machine??)
I air dried it and then checked it over for any needed repairs. It's now folded and been added to the sidesaddles and riding habits draped over my dining room chairs.
School Day is two weeks from today and I am just about ready. My friend Belle is borrowing a riding habit and will be joining me in the presentation. I've written up an info sheet for us both; the rough draft is below.
Tick! Tick! Tick!
The Give Away ends tomorrow night at 11:59 PM Eastern. Comment to win!
