SADDLE TREES. 121 



withers (like other parts of the spinal column) be free from 

 pressure ; but no pressure should be put near that part by 

 any portion of the gullet plate at any point higher than 

 the bars of the tree, neglect of which precaution is not 

 unfrequently the cause of inflamed withers. The necessity 

 for accurate fitting of the bars is self evident. We now come 

 to a subject of compromise between comfort for the rider, and 

 comfort for the horse. 



We all know that the smaller a saddle is in the twist, the 

 better will bs the grip, on account of the greater facility 



Fig. 125. Saddle Tree with narrow twist and a good deal of dip in seat. 



the rider will have in getting down into the saddle and 

 closing his thighs. At the same time, we must remember 

 that a narrow twist can be obtained only by dangerously 

 reducing the distance which the bars are placed apart from 

 each other, so that they may not exert painful pressure on 

 the back-bone, or on the sensitive structures close to it. 

 It is evident that the necessity for taking precautions 

 against such injurious pressure is proportionate to the 

 length of time the rider will be on the animal's back ; 

 the weight the horse will have to carry ; and the amount 

 of shifting and concussion produced by the weight on the 



