HORSEMANSHIP. 29 



pens often enough, in summer particularly, to 

 horses low in front. 



The stirrup straps require no description. 



A saddle which has no sides to the pummel, 

 nor edge or border to the back bow, is called 

 a smooth or plain saddle. 



It is generally acknowledged that saddles of 

 this form are convenient and agreeable, and 

 now scarcely any other saddle is used ; such 

 are the English saddles ; but whenever there 

 is a necessity for putting a portmanteau be- 

 hind the saddle, it is good to have a trousse- 

 quin to defend the reins of the rider. 



As the perspiration which the pannels of 

 the saddle imbibe, hardens them, so as to 

 sometimes wound the horse, it is good to line 

 this part with calf or buckskin, for horses 

 that perspire much. 



Planner of saddling, and unsaddling. 



After having lifted up the girths, the stir- 

 rup straps, and the crupper, upon the seat, 

 you will pass the left hand under the withers, 

 and the right under the troussequin, to raise 

 the saddle up, and place it gently upon the 

 back of the animal, a little behind, in order 

 3* 



