512 ^ SADDLERY AND HARNESS. 



the position of the girth when securing the fastening. If the leather 

 should be loose or even slack, the backward* motion of the saddle will 

 of course dispose the two side pieces to assume the straight line, or it 

 will force their junction upward as well as render its pressure more strin- 

 gent. The consequence will be, the strap must press upon the trachea 

 and blood-vessels ; the animal may be choked, and the hunting of one 

 day spoiled, even should the rider and his horse ultimately escape all 

 injury. 



The upper reins of the martingale are sometimes made to spring from 

 the center fastening of the breast-plate. But the use of the martingale 

 is to force the head downward. To do this requires a firm hand and 

 a straight rein, which consequently pulls the restraining strap of the 

 breast-plate upward, and thus destroys the purpose of the last invention. 

 The two articles are, in their uses, perfectly distinct ; such things cannot 

 be profitably blended. The martingale is designed to counteract an 

 upward traction. The fastening of the breast-plate should drag only in 

 the downward line, whereas the head strains in the contrary direction. 

 When a martingale cannot be dispensed with, one should be worn totally 

 distinct and separate from the breast -plate. It is, however, always 

 desirable to join the meet with as few floating gear as possible ; since, 

 when the pace grows hot and the fences are high, such loops are little 

 better than baits for accident. 



A good addition to the saddle, and one no rider should be without, 

 was introduced into this country by Messrs. Gibson. It was originally 



used in India, where its utility was 

 largely tested, and amply proved by the 

 British cavalry. This improvement con- 

 sists of a felt under-pannel ; which is 

 made of such dimensions as to be per- 

 fectly concealed when lying between the 

 FELT UNDEE-PAMNEL. panucl aud the skin. As an adjusting 



medium it answers admirably. Should 

 the saddle not exactly fit, the motion chafes the felt, and does not gall 

 the body. Besides, horses are not, more than their masters, of the same 

 size at all times ; the felt, being elastic, allows of slight variations in 

 bulk without imperiling the safety of the proprietor. 



The felt under-pannel should always be used whenever a side-saddle 

 is employed ; it renders the adjustment more easy, and makes it more 

 secure. Such an advantage cannot always be attained, even with the 

 extra girth, with which all side-saddles should be provided. Every 

 possible care ought to be exercised that the seat of a lady's saddle may 

 be rendered firm ; because, as the make throws the bearing upon the 



