SADDLE TREE. 



29 



extent that is sometimes practised. In a man's saddle, 

 the pommel is generally straight. 



The points of the tree should accurately fit the 

 parts upon which they rest, so as to prevent any 

 " wobbling " of the saddle. The near point of the 

 tree (Fig. 10) is usually made long, with the idea of 



Fig. 10. P'ront view of saddle tree. 



helping the saddle to keep in its place ; but if this is 

 done, the oft point should be comparatively short, 

 because, if both points be long, they will be apt to 

 become pulled further apart in the event of the horse 

 turning round sharply, as he would have to do in a 

 narrow stall, or even when refusing a jump. 



The upper crutch, or, as it is called by saddlers, the 



