SADDLE TREES. 121 



work, for a prolonged period. It not unfrequently happens 

 that a very light saddle (say, one between 2 and 3 Ibs. 

 weight) lasts for only one steeplechase. A saddle is practi- 

 cally useless after it has opened out at the gullet ; for the 

 original form cannot be restored, so as to stand work, without 

 the saddle being taken to pieces. 



Many prefer a saddle with a cut-back head (Fig. 125) 

 to one with a straight head (Fig. 122). The idea of the 



Fig. 128. Upper surface of Tree, with Webs. 



former looking better than the latter is entirely a matter 

 of taste. The cut-back head probably gives the horse 

 the appearance of having more sloping shoulders than he 

 would have with a saddle of the other shape ; but such an 

 impression is, to my thinking, marred by the suggestion 

 of weakness ; for the straight-cut head acts to greater 

 mechanical advantage, and consequently does not require such 

 a heavy tree as the other form. The fact that the head is 

 closer to the rider's fork in a cut-back saddle than in one with 



