ARAB SADDLES 233 



much like the type of the aboriginal Indian of our plains. 

 When he sits in the saddle he is apt to lean forward ; from 

 hip down to knee the leg is almost perpendicular ; and 

 from knee down it is thrust back at what we civilized folk 

 deem a most unhorsemanlike angle. He hates spurs be- 

 cause they prevent his drubbing his horse's flanks with his 

 heels, as well as clutching on by them. Still, after a cer- 

 tain period of association with the French, fashion will 

 sometimes claim him for her own ; he will put on spurs 

 and try to keep his heels where they belong. But he is 

 then no longer Spahi d la nature. He is very expert in 

 the saddle, both in the way of tricks and drill. His Ara- 

 bian may look sleepy while he stands, but he will wake 

 up to astonishing activity so soon as mounted. He quickly 

 catches his riders mood, and can be either steady or gay 

 as you may ask. 



Most Arab saddles have such an abnormal breadth be- 

 tween the knees that they oblige you most uncomfortably 

 to spread your legs. This does not peculiarly apply to the 

 Spahi's saddle, which has been cut, on a sort of a military 

 plan, to the Arab pattern. But if you want to try the 

 way Orientals usually sit in the saddle, get an extra wide 

 cane-seat chair, sit astride it facing the back, and then put 

 your heels up on the side rounds. Don't lean on the chair- 

 back ; imagine a cantle behind you about two inches above 

 the buttons on the back of your coat, and you have it ex- 

 actly. If you propose to ride this way, make up your mind 

 to the acme of discomfort until you are used to it. Your 

 feet wiU go to sleep, and your hips will get tired enougli 

 to make you howl before you have covered ten miles. 

 Even an old horseman who is used to an English or to our 

 military saddle must undergo the same trial. We should 

 call it an impossible seat for all-day riding ; but the Ori- 

 ental habit of sitting cross-legged, or on a squat, gets the 



