STABLES 105 



ror the animal may be suffering from obstruction, twisted bowel, 

 hernia, enteritis or some grave disease. 



For every reason the question of saddling is of the very first 

 importance ; that is to say, a well-fitting, well-kept saddle is a 

 first essential to the comfort of the horse and his rider. In 

 connection with horsemanship we hear much, and most properly, 

 of 'hands.' A moment's reflection will show that hands are 

 mainly dependent on seat, and seat is greatly influenced by 

 saddle. Can there be any doubt of this ? A man firmly, easily, 

 and comfortably seated in a chair, can pen the most delicate 

 line with great precision. Put him in a jolting carriage, or on 

 some insecure and unsteady seat, and he cannot direct his hand 

 with accuracy. The same rule applies to seat in the saddle : 

 unless it be firm, easy, and comfortable, the nicety of touch on 

 the bridle which will ' humour it like a silken thread ' cannot be 

 acquired. A firm seat, totally independent of bridle, and to a 

 great extent independent of stirrups, is the foundation of all 

 good horsemanship. By a well-fitting saddle, it should be added, 

 a saddle that fits both horse and rider is meant. 



The choice between plain and padded flaps must be left to 

 the discretion of the rider. At Badminton plain flaps are the 

 invariable rule. They, no doubt, make the horse's forehand 

 look better, and give a freedom to the rider's leg which the 

 padded flap does not permit. Men who are accustomed to 

 the older fashion usually feel more comfortable, however, with 

 this support for the knee. Great care must at all times be 

 taken to see that the stuffing is thoroughly dried and free from 

 lump. The perspiration which is absorbed into the receptive 

 stuffing makes it most necessary that the saddle should be 

 beaten and brushed, as well as dried. Neglected saddles are 

 a constant source of warbles, sitfasts, and sore backs in 

 general, evils which are also very frequently induced by the 

 fact of the saddle being too short for the rider, thus bringing 

 undue pressure on the cantle. Cold water will generally 

 effect a cure, if the sore be taken in time. If it be bad, 

 poulticing will relieve and cure the injury, absolute rest being 



