THE SADDLE AND BRIDLE. 79 



The slipper stirrup, when first introduced, was 

 a great favorite, for in addition to furnishing an 

 excellent support, it was believed that it would 

 release the foot instantly should the rider be 

 thrown. This latter merit, however, it was 

 found that it did not possess, as many severe 

 accidents occurred where this stirrup was used, 

 especially with the two-pommeled saddle. In- 

 stead of releasing the rider in these cases, as it 



Fig. 9. Victoria stirrup. Fig. 10. Spring-bar for stirrup 



leather. 



was supposed it would, the stirrup tilted up and 

 held her foot so firmly grasped that she was 

 dragged some distance before she could be re- 

 leased. This stirrup, therefore, gradually fell 

 into disfavor, and is now no longer used by the 

 best riders. 



There are, at the present time, three kinds of 

 stirrups which are favorites among finished rid- 

 ers. The first is called the " Victoria " because 



