FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



fashion largely depends. For riding astride, a 

 woman's saddle should have a good roll to the 

 knee-pad, and probably another behind the thigh 

 would be a help. Some modification of the Aus- 

 tralian " bush " saddle would seem best to meet 

 the requirements, and it is likely that, as the 

 change finds general favor, such a saddle will be 

 used. It is like the ordinary English shape, save 

 that it has large pads in just the proper places for 

 feminine needs, these cushions being useful in sit- 

 ting the " buck-jumpers " abundant in that coun- 

 try. 



The pony should be thin through between the 

 knees of the rider, if the child begins very young, 

 as he should not, seven being quite young enough. 

 A pad of steam felting, cut saddle-shape, and 

 girthed on with a plain surcingle, is the best 

 arrangement for juvenile beginners, as it gives 

 the little legs a chance to get close to the animal's 

 sides. The small ponies are generally such little 

 pigs, mentally and physically, that nothing is to 

 be gained from their use, and the small and 

 narrow horse of 14.2 or so is better, gent- 

 ler, and safer. After a few weeks of the pad, 

 with easy bit, etc., for the horse (special attention 

 being paid to square shoulders, and the natural 



208 



