Chapter XVI. 



SADDLERY-FITTING, CLEANING, 

 AND CARE OF. 



This is a matter which the ordinary yeoman is not 

 usually properly instructed in, and as the best groomed 

 horse will present but a shabby-genteel sort of appear- 

 ance unless his saddlery is nicely kept and properly put 

 on, the buckles polished, and the steels free from rust 

 (I personally like to see them bright and well burnished), 

 I hope that what I have to say may lead to a general 

 improvement in this direction. 



First, then, with regard to the fitting of the various 

 articles : 



SADDLING. 



1. Tlie saddle should be placed in the middle of the 

 horse's back; the front of it about the breadth of the 

 hand behind the play of the shoulder. 



2. Tlie numnah should be raised well into the fork 

 over the withers by putting the arm under it. 



3. The girth should admit a finger between it and the 

 horse's belly. In saddling a horse the girth must be 



