SADDLES AND SADDLE FITTING 



The object of the saddle is lo gWt comfort and security to the rider, 

 to protect the animal's back from injury by making an even distribu- 

 tion of the load over that portion of the back which should bear weight, 

 and to provide means for the attachment of packs. 



There are many and varied types used in dififerent countries and for 

 different purposes. The basic principle in design is however the same 

 for all, that of having two bearing surfaces called side bars, to rest 

 upon the back, connected and held in place by two arches, pommel and 

 cantel, and with a seat for the. rider, above the bars and between the 

 arches. To secure the saddle on the back, a girth passes under the 

 barrel and attaches to each side bar. To give security to the rider, 

 stirrups are suspended from the side bar on each side. Xo part of the 

 saddle should touch the back exceot the side bars. 



^ (From F. A. C. O. T. >. '■ ;r / - 



Assembling Stirrup Strap 



"Figure 25. Method of assembling- stirrup and stirrup strap. Stand on the 

 side on which the stirrup is to be placed, facing the horse's head. Assemble 

 the stirrup as shown in this view, giving the buckle end one-half turn from the 

 horse in order to bring the standing loop up. Having run the end of the strap 

 through the standing loop, put it through the stirrup staple on the saddle, 

 being careful to enter it from the top. The picture shows the assembling of 

 the near stirrup. 



All saddles have certain requisites peculiar to the work for which 

 they are intended. 



Military saddles must be strong, durable, comfortable to both horse 

 and rider, with long wide side-bars to distribute the weight over as 



