112 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



do sometimes, in the way of making a horse so tucked up that, 

 although he may never previously have required such a thing 

 as shoulder straps, he will most likely have to wear them till 

 the end of the season, if kept in regular work. Other horses 

 with light back ribs will require this article of saddlery 

 throughout the season. 



During a recent hunting season a horse was sold on account 

 of his having such a light waist that, even with shoulder straps, 

 there was great difficulty in keeping the saddle forward ; the 

 horse was afterwards seen running in a steeplechase with a 

 lead cloth under the saddle and no breast plate on ; needless to 

 say the saddle began to slip back as soon as the horse commenced 

 to gallop, and long before half the distance had been traversed 

 the saddle was on the horse's loins, the lead cloth half-way down 

 one side, and altogether the position of the rider was a most 

 unenviable one. But for this oversight in saddling, probably 

 the horse would have won the race. 



Martingales are not generally required for hunters, but 

 when they are they should always be of a good length, so as 

 not to interfere with the horse's head when jumping. 



Kings on the reins are sometimes used, instead of a mar- 

 tingale, and they answer tolerably well for some horses. 



Saddle-cloths of different materials are, according to cir- 

 cumstances, occasionally used. Those of felt are most useful 

 when the saddle stuffing has become thin, or when the horse's 

 back has become sore. Leather saddle-cloths chiefly preserve- 

 the lining of the saddle ; but, as a rule, a saddle looks better, 

 is lighter, and less liable to give a horse a sore back, when well 

 stuffed, than when a saddle-cloth is used. 



It is a very good plan, and is also a custom with some men, 

 to have the coat left undipped on the horse's back under the 

 saddle. 



Whilst speaking of the horse's coat, it may be mentioned 

 that leaving the legs undipped is a most admirable and humane- 



