Saddle Stirrups 



153 



riders prefer the safety stirrups, so that in case of 

 accident there will be no danger in getting the feet 

 fast, as the safety stirrups are provided with latches 

 which spring 

 open when the 

 pressure is re- 

 moved, thus 

 freeing the feet 

 (Fig. 33, 3). The 

 stirrup-straps 

 should be prop- 

 erly adjusted. 

 If too short, the 

 legs of the rider 

 will be held in 

 a cramped and 

 tiresome posi- 

 tion, and if too 

 long, the rider 

 cannot properly 

 balance himself. 



The saddle-girth 

 should be ar- 

 ranged moder- 

 ately tight so as Fig. 33. — Types of saddle stirrups. /.Military; 

 fn r>rp^f^r.f +V.o ^' ^''''^^ leather; 3, Safety; 4, Ox-bow; 5, 



to prevent tne siipper stirrup. 



saddle from 



turning. There is much difference of opinion as to 



the advisability of using a saddle-blanket, some rec- 



