SADDLERY. 153 



treme cases, be lined with curb chain, as is customary in 

 Arabia, passes through these loops, the rein attached to it 

 going direct, or crossed under the chin if. extra pressure 

 be desired, into the rider's hands. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



SADDLERY. 



My impression is that every horse should have his own 

 saddle, and that it should be as carefully fitted on him as the 

 glove or boot of a dame of fashion. There are as many 

 peculiarities of make and shape in horses' backs and withers, 

 and in the placement of the shoulder blades, as in the 

 formation of ladies' hands and feet. Of late years con- 

 siderable improvements have been made in the structure of 

 the trees, the ventilation, panneling and workmanship of 

 both cross and side-saddles. There is a fashion in saddlery 

 as in everything else. 



The engravings following represent improved ventilating 

 saddles manufactured by Messrs. Champion and Wilton. 

 That weighing 5 lbs,, and therefore too small for general 

 purposes, being built especially for polo, combines all that 

 can be sought for in a first class saddle, viz. perfect cut 

 and style, extreme neatness, with the best of materials, all 

 carefully hand- sewn by permanent workmen, and complete 

 ventilation ; also it affords a close grip, giving the rider a 

 secure and easy seat. The larger, full-sized one, is an ex- 

 cellent type of an ordinary riding-saddle stuffed in front of 

 the knees. In comparison with the clumsy shoddy products 



