STIRRUP IRONS. 143 



is very little difference between the Persian-side iron 

 (Fig. 145) and the " spade-side iron " (Fig. 146), both of 

 which look better than the " round-leg iron " (Fig. 147). 

 Irons with " open bottoms" (Fig. 127), give a better hold to 

 the feet than solid ones, and the economy of weight, if that 

 is a point to be considered, is obtained at a part which can 

 best spare the loss of material. Stirrup irons should be made 

 of hard forged steel (p. 30). 



Some saddlers use the term " Prussian-side," and others 



Fig. 145- 

 Persian-Side Iron. 



Fig. 146. 

 Spade-Side Iron. 



Fig. 147. 

 Round Leg Iron. 



"Persian-side" for the side iron shown in Fig. 145. I adopt 

 the expression employed by the trade journal, Harness 

 and Saddlery. 



Moderately large and fairly heavy irons, say ij^lbs. the 

 pair, are most comfortable and certainly look best in the 

 hunting field and for ordinary work. Light irons are always 

 more difficult than heavy ones to pick up in the event of the 

 horseman losing them. When they are small, besides the 

 danger of getting hung up (dragged), the rider may find it 

 awkward to get his feet into them, if he has any clay 



