38 SIDE-SADDLES. 



alteration in the correct length of the leather will take 

 place. 



The arrangement for undoing the stirrup-leather 

 is in the most convenient position when it is close 

 to the iron, and not in proximity to the stirrup-bar, 

 as is the case in a man's hunting saddle. If the 

 leather is used in the latter manner, the buckle 

 will be apt to hurt the inside of the lady's left leg, 

 when she brings the knee close to the flap of the 

 saddle ; and it will be more inconvenient to alter 

 the length of the leather, when the lady is mounted, 

 than if the buckle or hook was low down. The 

 hook (Fig. 14) is better than a buckle, because it lies 

 flatter and is easier to arrange. 



SAFETY BARS. 



A safety bar is a bar which will release the leather, 

 in the event of the rider falling from the saddle, and 

 at the same time getting her foot caught in the 

 stirrup-iron. To be reliable, it should do this, 

 whether the lady falls on the near side, or on the 

 off side. The best safety bar which has up to 

 the present been put before the public, is un- 

 doubtedly Champion and Wilton's latest pattern. 

 It releases with absolute certainty on both sides, 

 and can be fitted in such a manner that it will 

 allow the flat of the left leg to be brought close to the 

 saddle. As safety bars and safety stirrups are the 

 only means for ensuring a lady from being dragged 



