46 SADDLING. 



Invariably adjust your stirrup-leatliers before moimt- 

 ing. 



To measure the length of the stirrup-leathers of a 

 new saddle, place the fingers of the right hand against 

 the bar to which the leathers are attached, and, measur- 

 ing from the bottom bar of the stirrup up to the arm- 

 pit, make the length of the leathers and stirrups equal 

 to the length of your arm, from the tips of the fingers 

 to the armpit. Before entering the field, in hunting 

 or crossing country, draw up the leathers two or three 

 holes shorter on each side, and when starting on a long 

 journey it is as well to do the same, to ease both your- 

 self and your bearer. 



Clumped-soled Boots occasion accidents. If, in case 

 of yourself or your horse falling, the foot catch in the 

 stirruj), a boot with such a sole may prevent its release. 



The Crupper, though now obsolete for saddles, ex- 

 cept in military caparison, would be decidedly beneficial 

 in keeping the saddle in its proper place on long jour- 

 neys, especially where, from the shape of the animal, 

 the saddle will came too much forward, interfering with 

 the action of the shoulders, and throwing the weight of 

 the burden unduly on the fore-quarters, thus increasing 

 the odds in favour of a tired beast making an irretriev- 

 able stumble. 



The dock of the crupper should be seen to that it is 

 soft, and free from crusted sweat and dandrifi", which 

 would naturally cause irritation and abrasion of the 

 tail. It should be always kept weU greased ready for 

 use. 



* All the foregoing- observations on saddlery apply equally to 

 ladies* saddles. Marked attention should be paid before they 

 mount to the girths, which should be very tight, to prevent the 



