84 



•THE SIDE SADDLE. 



With regard to the side saddle, some 

 caution should be exercised. It is not always 

 practicable to keep a saddle for each horse, 

 although it would be very desirable to do 

 so, but the next best thing is to get a 

 saddle that fits the lady. It can then be 

 stuffed as required, for any horse that has 

 to carry it. These saddles vary in length 

 from 1 6 to 21 inches ; and of course they 

 vary in age and weight. The best plan is 

 to try a number of old saddles until a really 

 good and comfortable fit is found, when one 

 of the same dimensions may be ordered 

 from an expert in the making of ladies' 

 saddles. Second-hand saddles are fre- 

 quently unsatisfactory. The same side- 

 saddle has been known to change hands 

 several times in one year, having been in 

 each case sold for much less than was paid 

 for it. To order a new saddle that will fit 

 the rider is probably the best economy. 

 With very young riders it has, doubtless, a 

 good effect to let them ride both on the 

 near and off side, but when they are grown 

 up it is better to let the habit of riding on 

 one side become second nature and not 

 disturb it. 



