Stable Vices. 85 



saddle-galls be the result. Every hunting and riding man 

 knows, from experience, how difficult and tedious it is to 

 get a back right after being once galled. 



The stirrups should not be small, for, in the event of a 

 fall, the foot is more likely to hang in them. All well made 

 saddles have spring bars, which should be occasionally 

 oiled, that they may work easily, and release the stirrup- 

 leather should such an accident occur. The stirrup-leather 

 should be of the best, close and strong, not too heavy, or 

 it will look clumsy. 



Every saddle requires two girths which may either be 

 of the ordinary kind of the same width, with a buckle at 

 each end, or one broad, with two buckles at each end, 

 which is put on first, and a second, about half the width 

 only, over it, with one buckle at each end. The latter, 

 called the Fitzwilliam girth, is the better and stronger for 

 hunting. 



After use, the lining of the saddle must be thoroughly 

 dried in the sun or before the fire, and then well brushed, 

 which will keep it soft and clean. 



This is particularly necessary with side-saddles. It is 

 for want of this care and attention that so many horses 

 have sore backs. When dirty, the saddle must be sponged 

 clean, but not made more wet than is absolutely necessary ; 



