The Horse's Clothes 293 



the horse is not to be immediately used. Horses 

 of a thin skin are better saddled some time before 

 being called for. that the saddle may warm to the 

 back, as otherwise the weight of the rider may so 

 press the cold and possibly damp surface into the 

 sensitive skin that they will buck and plunge from 

 sheer discomfort. 



The padding should, of course, be well dried and 

 beaten after use, and kept soft. Every saddle should 

 fit like a glove, and it is perfectly easy to ride upon 

 such a one without girths or stirrups, for it will 

 retain its position almost exactly. 



The bridle-bits should be large, and both bit and 

 bridoon cannot be of too great circumference as to 

 mouthpieces, the so-called " Dexter snaffle," used 

 for driving the light harness horse, making the best 

 possible bridoon. 



The bit is usually placed too low, the bridoon 

 much too high — frequently six holes too short — 

 while the curb-chain is generally very narrow and 

 sharp of link. This should be broad, and lie easily 

 in the chin curve. 



