SADDLE. 15 



dency to do, in order to escape from the pressure of the 

 mouth-piece, this martingale will be liable to make him fall 

 backwards. 



SADDLE. 



I would not advise the use of a new saddle, which rarely 

 gives satisfaction to the rider. New leather is hard and stiff, 

 and consequently the seat of the saddle will not be com- 

 fortable. It is best to try several second-hand saddles, one of 

 which is certain to give satisfaction. 



The seat of a saddle ought to be fairly straight. If it is 

 too high at the pommel the rider will be thrown back, and 

 if it is too high at the cantle he will be thrown for- 

 ward. I am also of opinion that a saddle should have 

 very little stuffing, so that the rider may get close to his 

 horse. 



The length of the flaps should be proportionate to that of 

 the thighs of the rider. If they are too short, the rider might 

 hurt the calves of his legs. If too long, he will not be able to 

 feel the sides of the horse with his legs. The rider can please 

 himself as regards plain flaps or knee rolls, which are a 

 matter of habit and firmness of seat. I believe I was the first 

 to use a plain flap saddle for high school riding. 



I always begin with a pupil by putting him on a French 

 saddle in preference to an English one, as he is able to get 

 better into it, and is consequently more at his ease. After 

 the beginner acquires a firm seat in a French saddle, I put 

 him in an English saddle covered with doeskin, and when he 

 is able to trot, canter and turn without rolling about, I give 

 him a plain English saddle to ride on. 



STIRRUPS. 

 I never allow a pupil to use stirrups until he has acquired 

 a good seat at all paces, and in this respect I follow the 



