MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 93 



large an area as is possible without interfering- with locomotion, and 

 be as light as possible. Numerous types have l)een experimented with 

 and used from time to time m the I'nited States Army, but none has 

 yet been designed so satisfactory for general military use as the 

 McClellan saddle. The principle of the adjustable side-bars is undoubt- 

 edly correct, but so far all efforts have failed to produce a saddle em- 

 bodying this feature which is as satisfactory as the McClellan. No 

 doubt in time one will be produced. 



The back may be defined as that portion of the upper surface of an 

 animal's body which is limited by the withers in front and the loins in 

 rear. The sjiinal column forms the center of the back, and should be 

 free from jjressure. The ribs which spring from the spinal column are 

 covered with muscle and appear to have been specially designed to 

 carry loads. In fitting a saddle then, our effort should be to choose one 

 and so adjust it, that it will cover this bearing surface evenly, without 

 extending so far to the front as to interfere with the play of the should- 

 er blades, nor so far to the rear as to bear upon the loins. Our guide 

 is to leave at least an inch between the forward end of the side-bar 

 and the point of the shoulder blade, and not to permit the rear end of 

 the side-bar to extend beyond the last true rib. 



Sore backs are probably the greatest cause of disability amongst 

 cavalry mounts. They are caused in many ways, though it is seldom 

 that they cannot be avoided. The common causes are : improper 

 saddling; poorly fitting saddles ; dirty or improperly folded saddle blan- 

 kets ; careless riding, such as lounging in the saddle ; unevenly placed 

 loads ; and poor conformation. 



Saddles must fit and be properly placed and adjusted. Saddle 

 blankets soften the load on the animals back and serve to distribute 

 it more evenly. They must be kept clean and alw^ays, in saddling, put 

 on smooth and without wrinkles. 



Riders must sit erect in the saddle. "Riding the cantel" or standing 

 in one stirrup are sure to bring sores. The pack and equipment must 

 be evenly distributed and snugly secured. Poor conformation is the 

 hardest cause to overcome, but it is only very rarely that a horse is 

 found with such a conformation that it cannot be saddled and ridden 

 without sores. If one bears in mind the principles of correct saddling 

 and then uses intelligence to conform to them, sore backs can usuall}^ 

 be prevented. The saddle blanket can be folded in such a way as to 

 overcome almost any defect. Small pads made from old blankets, grass 

 or hay. will take the place of lost flesh. There is no mystery about 

 it, just plain common sense. 



FITTING THE SADDLE 

 (Six Axioms) 



1. The withers must not be pinched nor pressed upon. 



2. The central line of the back must have no pressure upon it. 



3. The shoulder blades must have full and unhampered movement. 



4. The loins must not carry weight. 



