92 THE SADDLE AND SIDE-SADDLE. [CHAP. 



saddle. It is wholly unnecessary when the buckles of the 

 girths are removed from under the weight of the rider. 

 The absence of this inner girth-flap gives a much firmer, 

 and to me a much pleasanter, seat; while to the horse 

 the saddle is much cooler, and a little lighter. If, on 

 trial, this is hot liked, the girth-flap is easily sewed on 

 again, or the holders are still more easily replaced. It is 

 very rash to recommend even the smallest possible 

 change which one has not tested well ; and I have never 

 tried dividing the girth buckles with the side-saddle. 

 But I should think that if they were divided on the near 

 side only, with a loop to keep the girths together below, 

 it might be an improvement. 



