CHAPTER IX. 



SADDLES AND BRIDLES. 



THE PARTS, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN AND COST. 



SADDLES, unlike any of the other 

 purchases that a novice is called upon 

 to make in setting up a stable, must 

 fulfil to a nicety two very important 

 requirements ; the first of which is 

 fitting the horse, and second fitting 

 the rider. Experience of a practical 

 nature is the only means by which a 

 tyro can qualify himself to choose a 

 saddle which is both comfortable to 

 the horse and himself. A good sad- 

 dler may be of much service in aiding 

 the novice in making a choice, but it 

 is more than likely that after having 

 used the saddle for some time the 

 purchaser will find that, were he to 

 buy another saddle, he would choose 

 one of somewhat different shape, size 

 or weight. If the first purchase 

 proves successful in every respect it 

 must be considered an unusual piece 

 of good luck; and failure in the first 



instance should only serve to indicate what shapes and makes 

 are to be avoided and the improvements desired in a future 

 purchase. 



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