l62 



now brought to a perfection wliicli can scarcely 

 admit of further change. 



Nothing contributes more to the comfort of 

 those who are in the habit of riding than a 

 saddle properly adapted to the shape of the 

 horse-, for, independently of the present pain 

 iniiicted by mis-shapen saddles, very serious 

 and lasting injuries are frequently sustained 

 both by the horse and the rider. It is an act 

 of absurditVj as well as cruelty, to put a narrow 

 saddle on the back of a broad horse j and not- 

 withstanding iriQ perfection at which the art of 

 saddle making is arrived, it may not be impro- 

 per to give the following hints to those who may 

 be unacquainted with what is generally con- 

 sidered the best and most easy shape. 



The tree ought to be well fitted, so as only 

 to press on the bare back, near the points of 

 the shoulders, but the upper part should not 

 touch the back; and the tree must not be too 

 wide, otherwise the saddle will slide forv/ards 

 on the shoulders, especially if the horse has a 

 low forehand and be rode without a crupper. 

 After the tree is properly fitted, the pannels 

 must be carefully stuffed with hair, (which is 

 best J as it does not become matted,) toward the 



