SADDLES AND SADDLING. 155 



The stirrups should be hung just under the seat 

 of the rider, as in this position only, the rider gets a 

 firm footing upon them and a protection against slip- 

 ping off. As a rule, we find them attached too far 

 forward, giving the thigh an oblique direction for- 

 ward, and the footing upon the stirrup will be in a 

 diagonal direction to the seat. To establish his bal- 

 ance, the rider is then compelled to lean forward, 

 sometimes twisting his body in the most wonderful 

 curvatures, to the detriment of the horse's knees. 

 And in case of the horse shying, kicking, stopping 

 short, or wheeling sharply around, etc , it may pos- 

 sibly be accompanied by a voyage of the rider over 

 the horse's ears, or by a fall to the side, all because 

 the position of the foot is in an oblique direction. 



He who wishes to ride safely, and comfortably, 

 should make it a habit to examine, before mounting, 

 whether saddle and bridle are in proper position. 



