144 HOW TO JUDGE A HORSE. 



As to the absolute weight and size of the saddles, 

 the lighter it is, the better for the horse, though there 

 are certain limits, depending entirely on the build of 

 the rider. Heavy weight needs a large under sur- 

 face, and thereby the saddle becomes heavier. 

 Ladies saddles are generally heavier than gentlemen's 

 saddles, on account of the fair rider's side-seat, re- 

 quiring a larger under surface. As a rule, our ladies' 

 saddles are altogether too massive. Every ounce of 

 unnecessary weight ought to be avoided, as it will 

 tell on the horse, which oftentimes is of very light 

 build. 



The jockey rides a saddle as small and light as 

 possible, knowing quite well that every ounce of 

 overweight will influence the speed of his horse, 

 short as the trial is. Why should this not also hold 

 good for ladies' saddles ? 



The importance of this seems to be now fully 

 understood, for some manufacturers are at present 

 constructing a decidedly lighter ladies' saddle, with 

 a large opening over the withers, so as to avoid all 

 possibility of bruisiug. The difference in weight be- 

 tween the old and the new kind of saddles is from 

 eight to twelve pounds. On this saddle, the equestri- 

 enne sits close to her horse's back, and her bridle hand 

 is^ therefore, lower down, permitting a pull on the 

 reins straight back in n. direction parallel to the 



