96 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



straightening the saddle, proceed as before. 

 The girth to be first fastened is the one nearest 

 the horse's fore-legs ; the second girth is the one 

 back of the first, and should be placed evenly 

 over the first one and fastened equally tight; 

 the third is the leather girth which is intended 

 to keep down the saddle-flaps ; this must be 

 placed evenly over the other two, but it is not 

 essential to have it drawn so tight as they, but 

 just enough so to hold the flaps. Most horses 

 have a trick, when they are being girthed, of 

 expanding their sides and abdomen, for the pur- 

 pose of securing a loose girthing ; and girths 

 that seem almost too tight when they are first 

 buckled are often found to be too loose after 

 the rider has mounted. Too tight a girth is in- 

 jurious to the horse, but too loose a one may 

 cause the saddle to turn. A round, plump horse 

 with low withers will need tighter girthing than 

 a better shaped one. The lady rider should 

 study the shape of her horse, and use her own 

 judgment as to how tight the girths should be 

 drawn, making due allowance for the trick al- 

 luded to above. If there is any second person 

 present while the saddle is being arranged, mat- 

 ters may be facilitated if this person will hold 

 the saddle firmly by the off-pommel while the 

 girthing is being done. 



