48 SIDE-SADDLES. 



freed from both boot and stirrup. Had I been un- 

 seated, I would probably have been killed, because my 

 saddle had not a safety bar. 



2. Those which open only when the foot is put into 

 them in one way, are apt to cause a fatal accident if 

 put in the wrong way, which may easily happen from 



Fig. 25. Cope's stirrup. 



carelessness or ignorance (p. 64). The methods 

 (straight edge of " tread," or word ''heel") used 

 with these stirrups, to indicate the proper side on 

 which to put the foot into the iron, may convey no 

 meaning to persons who are not well acquainted with 

 the details of side-saddle gear, and in moments of 

 hurry and excitement may be easily overlooked. 

 3. Any ordinary safety stirrup which is used without 



