SADDLERY. 1^9 



If cut in a segment of a circle, the leather, accommodating 

 itself to the curvature, assumes that shape, and is, there- 

 fore, difficult to alter in a hurry, and liable to give way at 

 this point. For wear, the skin side of the leather should be 

 outwards. The leather buckles should be double-barred. 



Stirrup-irons should invariably be of the best wrought 

 steel, and, like bits, only purchased from first-rate makers. 

 Messrs. Latchford have been established since 1700, and are 

 the senior wranglers and double-firsts of the loriners. 



Though perhaps not quite so neat and natty, the girth 

 known as the Fitz-William is preferable to the two narrow 

 ones generally used outside the hunting field. This arrange- 

 ment is composed of one double width of web with two 

 buckles at each end, and of a narrow one, encircling and 

 secured to the broad one by two loops or keepers, through 

 which it passes. By this alteration perfect safety is obtained, 

 for ifall four buckles of the broad girth be carried away, the 

 narrow one still retains the saddle in its place and prevents 

 the released girth from dangling. In the event of the straps 

 or buckles of the narrow girth being broken it cannot danglfe 

 either, being kept in its position by the loops. The extra 

 cost is only five shillings — money well laid out. 



The crupper, though now seldom seen outside the ranks of 

 the army, or in harness^will be found useful for low shouldered 

 ponies, with which the saddle will persist in coming too far 

 forward and interfering with the action of the shoulders, 

 and, in addition, causing the animal to stumble. Unless the 

 reader goes to ^Ir. Chris. Wilson, of Rigmaden Park, Kirkby 

 Lonsdale, Westmoreland, he will find it difficult to find a 

 pony with good riding shoulders. The crupper, to be of any 

 use, and still not to interfere with the liberty of the wearer, 

 should admit of one, or two fingers at most, being run under 

 the strap. Mr. Galvayne advertises a crupper which retains 



