KNOWLEDGE OF THE STABLE 207 



position, and it is impossible to rise 

 without an unusual amount of exer- 

 tion, which will lead to arching the 

 back, thrusting the head forward, and 

 probably galling the horse's withers. 

 There should be no third pommel, such 

 as there formerly was on the right side 

 of the saddle, bending to the left over 

 the right leg. 



The two pommels must fit the knees 

 exactly, or the circulation will be im- 

 peded, and a cramp brought on which 

 renders the muscles powerless to grip 

 the pommels. The seat must extend 

 about an inch beyond the line of the 

 spine, and, although I usually object 

 to it, for a child the seat should be 

 covered with buckskin. No more pad- 

 ding should be used than is required to 

 fit the horse's back, as it looks badly 

 for the top of the saddle to be several 

 inches above the horse. Moreover, the 



