Adjusting the Saddle and Back-hand 337 



horse with a sore tail is often difficult to manage, 

 as he may at any time get his tail over the line, 

 become excited through fear that the abraded part 

 will be injured, clamp his tail down on the line and 

 be difficult to control (p. 268). On the other hand, 

 if the back-strap is too long and the crupper too 

 loose it may result in the back-strap, crupper, hip- 

 strap and breeching all slipping off to one side of the 

 horse. It is important, therefore, that the check- 

 rein and back-strap be so adjusted that the saddle 

 remain in its proper place on the back and the crupper 

 fit snugl}^ under the tail, then there will be little or 

 no trouble from soreness. 



THE SADDLE AND BACK-BAND 



While the saddle is of less importance than either 

 the bit or collar, there are so many differently shaped 

 backs that it is important to give the fitting of the 

 saddle extra attention. Often this is neglected and 

 a poorly fitting saddle is used, which results in a sore 

 back, particularly if the harness is heavy. Further, 

 the saddle should be kept clean and smooth. When 

 properly adjusted, clean and smooth, there is little 

 or no danger that the horse's back will become sore 

 or abraded. In the case of single harness, where 

 there is extra pressure on the saddle, due to the 

 weight of the shafts or the like, a saddle pad should 

 be used. 



2 



