SADDLING. 45 



at the bottom are decidedly preferable, for the simple 

 reason, that in cold weather it is a tax on a man's en- 

 durance to have a single broad bar like an icicle in the 

 ball of his foot, and in wet weather a similar argument 

 may apply as regards damp ; besides, with the double 

 bar, the foot has a better hold in the stirrup, the rings 

 being, of course, indented (rasp-like), as they usually 

 are, to prevent the foot from slipping in them. 



This description of stirrup, with an ankle -pad, is 

 preferable for ladies to the slipper, which is decidedly 

 obsolete. 



Latchford's* ladies' patent safety stirrup seems to 

 combine every precaution for the security of fair eques- 

 trians. 



A balance-strap to a side-saddle is very desirable, and 

 in general use. 



Where expense is no object, stirrups that open at the 

 side with a spring are, no doubt, the safest in case of 

 any accident. 



With regard to Stirrup-Leatliers, saddlers generally 

 turn the right or dressed side out for appearance ; but 

 as the dressing causes a tightness on that side of the 

 leather, the undressed side, which admits of more ex- 

 pansion, should be outside — because, after a little wear, 

 the leather is susceptible of cracks, and the already ex- 

 tended side will crack the soonest. The leather will 

 break in the most insidious place, either in the D under 

 the stirrup-iron, where no one but the servant who 

 cleans it can see it ; or else, perhaps, where the buckle 

 wears it under the flap of the saddle. Stirrup-leathers 

 broken in this manner have caused many accidents. 



■* Latchford, 11 Upper St Martin's Lane, London, and all 

 saddlers. 



