PUTTING OX A RACING SADDLE. 251 



other. This improvised pad may be placed over the 

 withers and underneath the pommel of the saddle. The 

 tapes of the bandage may be previously removed. If a 

 bandage be not at hand, a rubber may be folded and 

 used in the same manner. By this plan, the gullet plate 

 will be kept off the withers. Even when the gullet plate 

 does not come down too low, a thin woollen pad is 

 generally used to protect them, when a racing saddle is 

 put on. A large sponge makes a good pad. 



Leathers for steeplechasing should be twisted, just 

 before the race, in the manner described on page 238. 



As it sometimes happens that amateurs who are not 

 particularly good horsemen attempt to ride over a 

 country, I trust I may be pardoned by critical readers 

 if I remark that the best way to make a saddle less 

 slippery than it would naturally be to an indifferent 

 rider, is, before mounting, to rub over the seat and flaps 

 a little finely powdered resin. This is infinitely more 

 efficacious than wetting them, or the insides of the 

 breeches, with water. I would not advise any such 

 practice to be adopted for ordinary riding, but, in a 

 chase, especially when *' the money is on," a man's first 

 object should be to " remain " in his saddle. 



New girths should not be put on for a race, as they will 



