Accoutrements for the Horse. 39 



depth and closeness of the near point, preventing 

 the bearing on the off side unhooking itself. The 

 closer the pommel comes down to the withers, so 

 that neither weight nor settlement can make it 

 touch, the better ; and a trifling easement may be 

 given on the off side of the pommel, but not to 

 extend to any part where the bearing should be, 

 lest you loosen that hold which sustains the saddle. 

 Ladies' saddles, when properly fitted, will not 

 require cruppers more than gentlemen's, but the 

 girths crossed from the hind part of the saddle to 

 the front, will keep them more steady ; or a strap 

 from the hind part of the saddle to the fore girth 

 on the off side, may prevent the saddle twisting to 

 the near side, as it usually does. 



The seat of a lady's saddle, exclusive of the 

 head, is differently formed from the gentleman's. 

 A deep hollowness in the centre of the seat is 

 unnecessary ; the seat is stuffed on each side full, 

 that the rider may be less liable to slide to the 

 near side ; and particular regard should be had 

 that the saddle is proportioned to the size of the 

 lady, for a tall lady, though ever so slim and light, 

 must not have a short saddle, because she cannot 

 keep herself from off the cantle. 



The modern ladies' saddles, exclusive of the 

 heads, are made high in the pommel ; the intention 



