58 HOW TO RIDE. 



from pommel to cantel (or from front to back) ; the latter 

 is shorter by about one to one and a half inches. It should 

 be wide and high over the withers, and free from stuffing 

 at that point, as the withers should not be pressed upon 

 at all, in fact, should not be touched ; and there should 

 be two and a half inches of space all along the back or 

 centre of pad, that air may have free course under the 

 saddle along the horse's back, thereby adding much to 

 his comfort and ability to stand a long ride. The padding 



A SADDLE. 



only enough stuffed to prevent his being injured by saddle- 

 gall, and to be comfortable. I like a single piece of thin 

 blanket just under the saddle, to absorb the perspiration. 

 There should be two girths, with gutta-percha attach- 

 ments, as they are so comfortable to the horse, giving and 

 taking as he gallops or otherwise, and you can buckle 

 them sufficiently tight to be perfectly safe. I do not like 

 the plan of girthing a horse up so tight that he is uneasy 

 all through his ride. It may make the rider feel more 

 secure from the saddle turning; but I don't consider any 



