STIRRUP LEATHERS. 137 



has been made, the gauge is laid on paper, and a tracing 

 taken. 



If no special instruments are available, we can take both 

 the front and rear measurements, by moulding a strip of 

 lead of suitable length, width, and thickness, over the parts 

 in question. In order to avoid any error which might arise 

 from the ends of the strip of lead opening out or closing, after 

 removal from the back, it is advisable, while the ends are in 

 position, to measure the distance they are apart by means 



Fig. 139. Messrs. Champion and Wilton's Gauge for the Back. 



of a pair of calipers. The measurement is then transferred to 

 paper, in the manner described. 



The gauge depicted in Fig. 139, which works on the same 

 principle as that shown in Fig. 138, is suitable for taking 

 the longitudinal contour of the back, and also the transverse 

 section of the back, where the cantle comes. 



STIRRUP LEATHERS 



For hunting and ordinary use should be made of parti- 

 cularly strong, pliable and well-dressed leather. Web leathers 

 made preferably of pipe (circular) webbing are often used in 

 racing and chasing for the purpose of lightness ; but they 

 have the great disadvantage of twisting round when the 

 horse is in movement and the foot is out of the iron, and 



