This lot includes vintage Pat Connolly Breechings. A breeching, sometimes known as a horse britchin, is a strap of leather that lays behind the animal's thighs and attaches to the saddle with two straps to the back of the saddle as well as two straps to the rigging. The breeching will keep the saddle in place on a downhill stretch without hindering the animal's gait. Breechings are almost always part of a pack saddle rigging. John Bradley Connolly was a horse collar maker in Ireland who, with thousands of his compatriots, emigrated to the United States in the 1870s and settled in Minneapolis. About 1907, his three son, Jack, Andy, and Pat, moved to Butte, Montana, where they opened Connolly Bros. Harness Shop. Jack and Pat moved to Billings in 1912 and opened a small shop on North 29th Street where they manufactured harness, horse collars, and saddles. Jack was the saddlemaker, and Pat made the harnesses. In 1929 Jack and Pat dissolved their partnership. Pat remained in Billings, renaming the business the Pat Connolly Saddlery. The business was incorporated in 1951 under the name of Connolly Saddlery Co. and for the next 26 years business went along smoothly. Connolly Saddlery is still in business in Billings, Montana. This stamped breeching, or britchin, is in good condition, all of the leather is supple, has a nice patina and is without damage. Eight (8) individual leather straps are attached as two sets of four. Original owner's name carved on either side on top, "Pat Connolly Maker Billings, MONT" stamp on the underside. Oxidation is noted on the original brass hardware. No other obvious marring noted. Measures as folded for storage 22"L.