THE STIRRUP LEATHER, 155 



pearance. The off flap need not be larger than that of 

 a man's hunting saddle. It may have a pocket for the 

 sandwich case, and D's for straps to attach the tightly- 

 rolled covert-coaty which might be made waterproof. 



I do not believe that a thoroughly serviceable side 

 saddle, which is big enough for an ordinary sized lady, 

 can be made " all complete " at a less weight than 18 lbs. 

 The stirrtLp leather may be attached to the near 

 side by a spring bar, similar to the one used for men's 

 saddles, or it may pass over a roller bar on the near 

 side, and be attached to a leather girth which is 

 buckled on to a strap on the off side in reach of the 

 lady's hand when she is on horseback. The spring 

 bar arrangement possesses the advantages of safety 

 — always supposing that the lock is kept open, or, at 

 least, well oiled — simplicity, and of not requiring the 

 leather to be altered in length for different horses, or 

 for the same horse when he gets a little slack in his 

 girth from work. The other plan allows the rider to 

 arrange her stirrup, as she wishes, after she has got on, 

 to change the length when she likes, and makes her 

 independent of anyone's assistance, if, having a mount 

 in a strange saddle, she finds she has not got the proper 

 length. It serves the purpose of a surcingle in keeping 



