216 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



ing a metal sandwich case and a glass flask, may be 

 fastened to the saddle by means of the two "D's" 

 on the off rear side of the saddle. Other accessories 

 such as a leather case containing a wire-cutter, a case 

 with an extra stirrup-iron, are occasionally carried. If 

 a woman is in a hunt team and acts as M. F. H., or 

 Huntsman, she carries a horn case; if a Whip, she 

 carries "couples" for the hounds. 



In attaching all cases, care must be taken to see 

 that the straps, which fasten to the "D's", are of a 

 proper length to prevent the cases flapping against 

 the animal's sides. 



Bridles are of an endless variety, but no matter of 

 what kind, they should be of well-seasoned, well-pressed 

 and pliable leather and preferably that dark shade of 

 brown, acquired by time and much "dressing." 



Each horse should have a bridle fitted to his especial 

 use, or if the bridle has to be used on many different 

 horses, the bit should always be raised or lowered as 

 may be found necessary to suit each particular case. 

 Attention to such details is one of the first things de- 

 manded of a real horseman or horsewoman. 



The bit and headstall of a bridle should be sewn 

 in; buckles bespeak the livery-stable. Where it is 

 necessary to do much interchanging of bits, the French 

 stud or clip may be used; although it is more apt to 

 catch on the rings of a martingale than the sewn-in 

 variety, nevertheless, it is smart-looking, and from the 

 outside is almost indistinguishable from the sewn-in 

 rein. 



The reins should neither be so thin that they double 

 up in hand, nor yet so broad and stiff that they 

 are clumsy. A good average is about seven-eighths 

 of an inch in width, and thin enough to be pliable. 



