SADDLES 



^33 



they are said to have been introduced in the latter 

 half of the twelfth century; but a lady's hunting 

 saddle is, comparatively speaking, a very recent de- 

 velopment. Originally, ladies rode pillion-fashion, 

 i.e. on a pad behind a horseman ; the lady sat side- 

 ways, and usually steadied herself by holding her 

 attendant's belt. The next development was a 



MILITARY SADDLE 



saddle which allowed the woman to ride sideways ; 

 the right leg was supported by two pommels, 

 crutches, or "head," in the shape of a cow-horn, 

 the left leg being supported by the stirrup. 



Eventually the "third" or "leaping" head 

 was introduced. This was really the outcome of 

 a wager between Mr. Oldaker, a very practical 

 saddler, and some person whose name is now 

 forgotten. The conditions of the bet were that 



