SADDLES. 427 



inches in length ; though a six or seven pounds 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 vertebrae of the back, 

 and 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. The confidence that the rider 

 obtains from the knowledge that he runs no risk of being 

 dragged, in the event of an accident, is certainly worth the 

 addition of a pound or two to the weight of the tree, especially 

 when it makes the saddle all the more comfortable for the 

 horse. 



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 nine or 

 ten pounds one which is used for training work ; though it 

 may be made as light as four pounds all complete. Some 

 exceptionally strong riders, like what Mr. Garrett Moore was, 

 are able to ride across country in a two pounds racing saddle, 

 almost as well as they can do in one five times that weight. 

 Apart from the question of comfort to man and horse, such a 

 very light saddle can hardly be expected to last more than 

 one journey " between the flags "; for even if the tree escapes 

 being broken, the gullet plate will be almost certain to open 

 out, and, consequently, to press on the withers. 



The question of having spring bars or not, is simply one of 

 weight. A saddle with them requires a moderately strong tree 

 to bear the rivets for fastening them on. Hence, it cannot 

 well be made under five pounds all complete. 



