RACING SADDLES. 245 



young horses that are apt to " yaw " about, and with 

 steeplechasers. 



The standing martingale (see page 219) has, in one or 

 two instances, been used for cross-country work. 



Saddles. — The first point to be considered about 

 racing saddles is that they should be long and roomy, 

 as well as light. A 2j lbs. or 3 lbs. saddle, all complete 

 with irons, webs, girth and surcingle, ought not to be less 

 than 15 inches in length ; while a 6 lbs. or 7 lbs. training 

 or steeplechase one should be more than an inch longer. 



The steeplechase saddle should fit as close as possible 

 to the horse, without actually pressing on the vertebras 

 of the back, while all unnecessary stuffing and saddle 

 cloths should be dispensed with, so as to avoid giving 

 play to the saddle. It may be covered with doeskin 

 in order to afford the rider a firm seat. Unless a very 

 light one be used, it should be provided with spring 

 bars for the stirrup leathers. The locks should be 

 always left open. 



Leaded saddles, which may be made to weigh a couple 

 of stone, or even more, are very useful when dead weight 

 has to be put up ; or for trials, when the trainer does 

 not want his jockeys to know more than he can help. 



The ordinary steeplechase saddle is similar to the 



