SADDLES. 223 



round thighs, than the latter. It has, however, been ob- 

 jected to on the ground that it is apt to cause sprains 

 of the knee, thigh, and back, especially when landing 

 after a drop jump. Doubtless it is true that such 

 accidents do happen, but they are of sufficiently rare 

 occurrence to be disregarded. The plain flap lasts 



longer, is somewhat cheaper, and looks, I think, more 

 workmanlike, than the other. 



Saddles covered with doeskin, or having the flaps 

 covered with it, and the seat with pigskin, afford the 

 rider a very firm grip. They are, however, much more 

 suitable for use in hot climates, than in damp ones like 

 England. 



As a rule, cheap machine-made saddles look bad, and 

 are comfortable neither to the horse nor to his rider. 

 They are made of inferior leather, have long, coarse 

 stitches, and fit the back by reason of extra stuffing in 



