THE SIDE SADDLE, 151 



height for the horse, for every four inches by which the 

 lady exceeds five feet. 



Grey horses are objectionable for ladies, as the hair 

 which comes off their bodies shows very much on the 

 habit. Besides this, they are difficult to be kept clean. 



Geldings are always preferable for ladies to either 

 mares or horses. The former are especially objection- 

 able in India, the latter in England. 



Riding Gear. — The side saddle has, as we all know, 

 a near pommel, over which the rider places her right 

 leg, and a third crutch (or leaping head) for her left 

 leg to press against, while the old-fashioned off pommel 

 should be altogether w^anting, or cut so low as not to 

 interfere with the lady lowering her hand when she is 

 holding the reins. Its absence favours her chance of 

 falling clear in the event of her horse coming down. 

 The third crutch should be placed so that it may press 

 against that part of the rider's leg w^hich is about three 

 inches above the knee. It ought to be sufficiently 

 separated from the pommel to afford, along with it, a 

 firm purchase to the rider. The shorter the rider's limb, 

 the nearer ought the third crutch to be placed to the 

 pommel. If the two be wide apart from each other, a 

 rider whose limb is short will probably be able to 



