76 



HINTS ON HORSES 



in consequence reduces the comfort of the 

 seat. Knee rolls are a matter of individual 

 preference. 



Ladies' saddles follow the same principles, 

 and should be cut so that the crutch comes 

 over the centre of the thigh and does not 

 press on the point of the knee. The number 

 of crutches, pommels, etc., are a matter of in- 

 dividual taste. 



A saddle-horse with a good shoulder carries 

 the girth well clear of the movements of the 

 elbow. The straighter the shoulder the more 



forward does the girth sit, the tendency being 

 to cause a gall. 



A grass-fed horse often chafes, as the full 

 barrel forces the girth right under the elbow. 

 Hence in Colonial towns horses may be seen 

 with the girths round their necks, like a collar, 

 to prevent the saddle riding back, and a 

 crupper under their tails to prevent its 

 moving forward (Fig. 47). The difficulty is 

 in mounting not to dislodge the saddle. 

 Once up it is easy enough to keep the gear 

 in position. 



