SADDLES. 



measuring from head to cantle, and the width, from 1 1 

 to 13 inches, according to the height and weight of the 

 rider. A man with long thighs will require the flaps to 

 be set well forward, while men with short, round thighs 

 should have them nearly straight, or the knee pads will 

 afford no assistance. In other respects, the shape of a 

 saddle, whether straight in front, or cut back, is very 

 much a matter of individual taste. It is a great mistake 

 to suppose that a saddle ought to fit any horse. In well- 

 appointed stables, each favourite horse has, usually, his 

 own saddle. A saddle tree, to fit a horse accurately, 

 should have a level bearing along the muscles of the 

 back, with sufficient space in front and behind, for a 

 finger to be inserted under the pommel or cantle. The 

 bellies of the tree should be at such a slope that the 

 pannel under them may lie close on both sides of the 

 back. The fact of the bellies being too flat often causes 

 a sore back, by its allowing the tree to touch the back- 

 bone. The points of the tree should fit closely without 

 pinching. One thing to be observed in choosing a 

 saddle, is that the tree should not be too wide in the 

 centre, but should be formed so as to allow the rider to 

 get well down in his fork, that he may get a firm grip with 

 the thighs, and, consequently, a secure seat in the saddle. 



Q 



