108 HUNTING 



which we advise him to do — or has had his horse sent 

 on, he should look to his girths, as many horses blow 

 themselves out when they are being girthed, to prevent 

 the groom girthing them too tightly. A man never 

 looks so foolish as when he is attempting to mount- 

 a horse and the saddle slips round. 



Stirrup-irons should fit the foot. If too large, the 

 foot may slip through them ; if too small, the foot may 

 become wedged ; in either case the rider is apt to be 

 dragged in the event of a fall. There are many kinds 

 of safety stirrup-irons ; but, except for ladies, we fail 

 to see their utility. The rider should always see that 

 his stirrup -bars, from which hang the leathers, are 

 doion, and not fastened. 



The use of breast-plates has now become antiquated, 

 for the reason that a horse should have nothing 

 superfluous about him. Besides, if a horse has been 

 carefully saddled and girthed, there should be no risk 

 of the saddle slipping back. 



In regard to side saddles, it is only necessary to say 

 that the side saddle should fit the horse, if possible, 

 better than a gentleman's saddle. Also, in every case, 

 a lady should be measured for her saddle, for if the 

 saddle be too big she will slip about in it ; if too small, 

 she is forced back over the cantle with discomfort to 

 herself and her horse. The saddle should be straight- 

 seated, with backstays, for the best horsewomen are 

 apt to give their saddles an occasional side twist, with 

 the probable result of a sore back. As most ladies rise 

 sideways in the saddle, and not truly forwards, the 

 backstays are necessary. If ladies would only re- 

 member to keep their shoulders square to the front, 



