57 



of less stature ; therefore the crutch of every 

 lady's saddle should suit the limb in shape 

 and size, and also in its distance from the seat, 

 which should be full, but not too flat, and 

 with no projecting ridge on the left side, 

 which is very inconvenient. It may be ex- 

 plained, that a puffed edge (although so inge- 

 nious in the eye of the saddle-maker) is very 

 frequently uncomfortable to the rider ; there- 

 fore the seat of the lady's saddle, though flat, 

 should be so formed, that this may not be felt. 

 The stamped leather should be strong and 

 pliable, and not, as it is too generally, a trifling, 

 flimsy strap ; because the weight of the person 

 sometimes bears upon it very considerably. The 

 stirrup should be a three-quarter slipper, and 

 long in the toe ; it may be high in the instep 

 or arch, but not too wide. The breast-plate, 

 crupper, and surcingle, with broad, strong 

 girths, are indispensable securities to a lady's 

 saddle. 



Ladies 9 Bridles should have a strong curb- 

 bit, with long cheeks, and a bridoon, with reins 

 adapted for weak hands to use against the 

 power of the horse. The reins should be soft 



