70 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



wholly due to the sense of security it gives, es- 

 pecially to a timid rider, a feeling never attain- 

 able in the two-pommeled saddle, where the seat 

 is maintained chiefly by the balance, or by using 

 the reins as a means of support. 



By sitting erect, taking a firm hold upon the 

 second pommel with the right knee, and press- 

 ing the left knee up against the third pommel, 

 a perfectly secure seat is obtained, from which 

 the rider cannot be shaken, provided the saddle 

 is well girthed and the horse does not fall, while 

 her hands are left free to manage the reins, a 

 very important point where the horse is spirited 

 or restless. To insure the greatest safety and 

 comfort for both horse and rider, it is very im- 

 portant that the saddle should be accurately 

 constructed. If possible, it should be made 

 especially for the horse that is to carry it, so 

 that it may suit his particular shape. If it does 

 not fit him well, it will be likely to turn, or may 

 gall his back severely, and make him for a long 

 time unfit for service. It may even, in time, 

 give rise to fistulous withers, will certainly 

 make the horse restless and uneasy on the road, 

 and the pain he suffers will interfere with the 

 ease and harmony of his gaits. Many a horse 

 has been rendered unfit for a lady's use solely 

 because the saddle did not fit well. 



