44 A HUNTING CATECHISM 



smooth, but there is a danger of its becoming 

 wrinkled, which would itself cause a sore. Some 

 horses have such well-formed backs that a saddle 

 would almost stay in its place without girths, 

 but others can never prevent their saddles from 

 moving. The best means of preventing this, 

 especially with ladies' saddles, is to have the sides 

 of the tree prolonged far down the shoulder, 

 which gives a better grip to the saddle. 



A very important point is to see that the 

 pommel does not pinch the withers. It is better 

 that it should be too wide, which can be 

 remedied, than too narrow, though both are 

 faults. 



Q. Are leather-lined saddles to be recom- 

 mended ? 



A. They suit some horses very well, especi- 

 ally half-bred ones. The leather requires to be 

 constantly oiled, to keep it soft. Some thorough- 

 bred horses have such very tender skins that 

 leather lining does not seem to answer with them. 



Q. Is indiarubber-sponge lining good ? 



A. It is excellent, and if attended to when in 

 use, and washed from time to time in the 

 summer, will last a long time. Such saddles 

 should be kept in the dark, as in a cupboard, and 

 a small saucer of turpentine placed near in a 

 saucer, the fumes of which help to preserve 

 indiarubber. 



Q. Are ventilated saddles really efficient ? 



A. They can be praised for keeping the backs 

 cool ; and the one invented by Robson of York 

 is very highly spoken of indeed by many ladies 

 who hunt in it. It is fitted with air chambers 



