SPURS. 147 



SADDLES. 



I think that players as a rule have a tendency 

 to use too small saddles. I like a roomy hunting 

 saddle (weighing, say, 12 lbs.) in which I can move 

 about, when hustling or reaching out for a ball. 

 Besides, a big saddle is a great comfort to an in- 

 different horseman, and the increase in weight of, say, 

 5 lbs., will be more than made up to the pony by the 

 extra bearing surface. Every pony should have his 

 own saddle specially fitted for him. A leather-covered 

 panel is excellent, as it stands wear well, does not soak 

 up the perspiration, and does not require renewing 

 so often as a serge or linen covered one. A leather 

 numnah is a good protection to the back, and saves 

 the lining of the panel from wear, and the stuffing 

 from becoming wet and caked by sweat. 



WHIP. 



Every polo player should learn to use a whip in his 

 left hand while playing ; for the simple fact that the 

 rider carries one will make many ponies jump quickly 

 into their bridles and gallop kindly. Its presence in 

 his hand is no inconvenience if he does not wish to 

 use it. 



SPURS. 



Sharp spurs are never allowed in games, but *are 

 occasionally useful in training a regular slug. Spurs 

 without rowels are generally an advantage with ordi- 

 nary ponies for making them start quickly. Keen, 

 first-class ponies do not need them, and they often 



10* 



