Another Traces of Texas

[Shakey Jake]

Texas Ranger Frank L Schmid and his horse in Rio Grande City 1888. Schmid (1866-1893) served with Company "D," Frontier Battalion, for seven years before his death from a gunshot wound in 1893. The fatal wound was sustained in 1889, a year after this photograph was taken, when his company attempted to intervene in political unrest in Fort Bend County. Schmid suffered with the wound for four years, briefly recovering enough to return to a clerical position with the Rangers in 1892. The infected wound never healed, however, and it ended up killing him.

[JEBar]

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading several bios on early Texas Rangers .... they were a very tough, colorful group of men

[CT_Shooter]

Thanks for sharing his story and portrait.

[RanchRoper]

Some fun facts: the chains from the bit to the leather reins are called rein chains. They serve to not only dress things up a bit, but keep your leather reins out of the water when your pony drinks. Also adds a little weight to help your horse keep his nose down and tucked in, better for working and control. Looks like he has his rifle in right side up, and not riding on the sights. His spur straps are called dove-wings, no buckles they just attach to the spur buttons. I wear the same style. His trousers have suspender buttons but lots did not wear them as they were restrictive when horseback all day. The style of the horn on the horn on the saddle tells me it is a Texas Drover style saddle, likely with a half seat. The front part of the seat would leave the stirrups leathers exposed. The rope looped around the neck is a "get down" line that you would use to lead the horse around instead of the reins. Helps to protect your horse's mouth if something should happen and he pulled back on you. Lastly, he is hold a quirt probably made of braided rawhide, these were Mexican influence and lots of Texas cowpunchers, Rangers, etc carried them.

Great photo!

[Sir Henry]

Some fun facts: the chains from the bit to the leather reins are called rein chains. They serve to not only dress things up a bit, but keep your leather reins out of the water when your pony drinks. Also adds a little weight to help your horse keep his nose down and tucked in, better for working and control. Looks like he has his rifle in right side up, and not riding on the sights. His spur straps are called dove-wings, no buckles they just attach to the spur buttons. I wear the same style. His trousers have suspender buttons but lots did not wear them as they were restrictive when horseback all day. The style of the horn on the horn on the saddle tells me it is a Texas Drover style saddle, likely with a half seat. The front part of the seat would leave the stirrups leathers exposed. The rope looped around the neck is a "get down" line that you would use to lead the horse around instead of the reins. Helps to protect your horse's mouth if something should happen and he pulled back on you. Lastly, he is hold a quirt probably made of braided rawhide, these were Mexican influence and lots of Texas cowpunchers, Rangers, etc carried them.

Great photo!

Holy cow you sure know a lot! I never would have noticed anything beyond the rifle being on the left. Don’t you mount a horse from the left? Would it interfere?

[RanchRoper]

It works both ways. I tried it on the left but did not like it. The weight of the rifle and me stepping on or off pulls the saddle crooked cuz I don't cinch my horses up tight unless I am roping something big.

[RanchRoper]

It is easier to get to your rifle in a hurry as you dismount on the left. Or you need to get real handy pulling it from the right side as you dismount.

[BigAl52]

I like the way he is carrying his pistola to. Crossdraw style with the boolits in the front. Easy access when defend yourself.