SADDLES. 21 



horse's motion. Saddles, beneath in the centre, 

 should not touch the horse's back; because, 

 the flexibility of the vertebrae must not be 

 obstructed, nor the spine galled by the pressure 

 of the saddle, a sore back being sometimes 

 difficult to cure. The flat sides of the pad or 

 stuffing only must rest upon the horse's ribs, 

 leaving in the centre a thorough channel. 



Girths should be of the same colour as the 

 horse, and of strong firm materials. 



Stirrup-leathers should be strong, sometimes 

 change sides, and be put on with the buckles 

 underneath. Stirrup-leathers, girths, and sad- 

 dles, should not be elastic ; such inventions are 

 insecure and delusive. 



Stirrup-irons should be moderately strong, 

 but not heavy ; and they should be made low 

 in the arch to prevent the possibility of any 

 foot slipping entirely through, and the dreadful 

 accident of hanging in the stirrup. What can 

 be the use of an extremely high-arched stirrup- 

 iron ? but width is necessary. 



Breast-plates (or straps) are ornamental, and 

 sometimes useful, in conjunction with the 



