146 SADDLERY. 



as to interfere with the play of the shoulder-blade. Taking 

 the length of the weight-bearing surfaces of the back and 

 loins at 22 or 23 inches, and that of the panel of an ordinary 

 hunting saddle at about 18 inches, we have a limit of 4 

 or 5 inches for regulating the position of the saddle. In 

 this task we should be guided by the object we have in 

 view. If we desire the attainment of the highest possible 

 speed, we should, agreeably to the remarks made on pages 

 14 and 16, place the saddle as far forward as we can 

 without interfering with the play of the shoulder-blade. If 

 we require the animal for hunting or other ordinary work, 

 we may place the saddle further back (say, 3 inches), so as to 

 save the fore legs from undue strain. I have often found 

 that this precaution acts well with animals which are heavy 

 in front, and with those which are somewhat infirm on 

 their fore legs. All horsemen know that a hunter requires 

 to be light in front, especially when landing over fences. 

 Although it is impossible to determine with mathematical 

 accuracy the best position for the saddle to occupy, whether 

 with a view of saving the fore legs from injury or for 

 obtaining a high rate of speed, a knowledge of the principles 

 to be observed cannot fail to be useful as a guide to practice. 

 Instead of adopting for all horses a uniform position for 

 the saddle, it is well to try how each animal goes with the 

 saddle in different positions, always remembering to keep 

 it clear of the play of the shoulders, and then to adopt the 

 one which suits the horse best. A man of experience will 

 readily tell when the position of the saddle which is between 

 his legs, is in harmony with the movements of the animal he 

 is riding. 



SADDLING A HORSE. 



The saddle should be placed on the withers and drawn 

 back (so as not to rumple the hair which is under it) into a 



