THE SADDLE. 59 



account of the shovel shape and the size of this con- 

 trivance ; but their stirrups are hung directly under 

 their seat, and in a very different position from that 

 which they occupy in our saddles (see Plate IV.) Short 

 stirrups on an English saddle give quite a different 

 form to the seat in consequence. 



With respect to the upper surface, or seat, of the 

 saddle, we have to remark, that as the under one must 

 be large in proportion to the weight, so this should be 

 roomy in proportion to the bulk of the rider ; a heavy 

 man will always require a large under surface, but not 

 equally constantly a large upper one, for it is bone that 

 weighs ; and as, whatever the seat may be, it should 

 be permanent in some one part of the saddle, there is 

 not only no use, but a positive disadvantage, on account 

 of weight, in having it larger above than is absolutely 

 necessary. It is, however, the form of the upper sur- 

 face that decides most as to the permanence of the 

 seat. If what we may call the ridge of the saddle be 

 perfectly horizontal, the seat will be determined chiefly 

 by the length and position of the stirrup, because the 

 two surfaces, rider and saddle, are in imperfect contact ; 

 and it is therefore usual to dip this ridge at some point 

 and spread it out into a more or less concave surface. 

 Now the form of the seat will depend altogether on 

 the relative position of the lowest point of this dip ; if it be 

 placed far back the rider will remain there, and if it 

 be placed in the centre the seat will be also central, 

 and for military purposes enough has been said to show 

 that this is its proper position. Nothing can be more 

 certain than this, that it is the saddler, and not the 

 instructor of equitation, that can most effectually and 

 certainly produce the uniformity of seat which is so 



