SADDLES AND BRIDLES 229 



always be accurately fitted, so that there will be no 

 untidy-looking strap ends. 



While on the subject of tack a few words concern- 

 ing boots and bandages may not come amiss. Suffice 

 it to say, however, that they are often a necessary 

 precaution on valuable horses when hunting or jump- 

 ing them, or when exercising show hacks. Boots are 

 easier to put on than bandages and afford quite as 

 much protection from blows, but they do not support 

 the tendons and ligaments in the way that bandages 

 do. They are therefore more suited for hacks and polo 

 ponies than they are for hunters, whose tendons are 

 put to a great strain in jumping. 



If boots are used, an endless variety may be tried 

 until one has found a kind effective on the horse in 

 question. If used merely to prevent injury from in- 

 terfering or brushing, those of brown leather, lined 

 with sheepskin, will be found most satisfactory. They 

 should be so fitted that they will remain in place, but 

 should never be buckled so tightly that circulation will 

 be stopped. 



When bandages are used for hunting they should 

 be of blue kersey, and carefully put on, so as not to 

 hurt the horse's back tendons.* Bandaging for hunting 

 should only be attempted by an expert groom, for 

 boots are infinitely preferable to badly put on bandages, 

 which come undone and trip the horse up. 



* Using safety pins (as is done on race- tracks) instead of tapes is 

 advisable, for with these there is less danger of injuring the animal's 

 tendons. 



