The Harness Horse 



We will, however, consider, what is the 

 necessary outfit for a small stable, beginning 

 with Saddles. 



Cheap saddles are to be avoided. I once bought 

 one and was quite glad to give it away. Every- 

 one has their own favourite maker, and it is not 

 for me here to mention names. But at all events 

 let the maker be a good one, and the saddle well 

 cut and well made. It is really of considerable 

 importance, both to the horse and the rider, that 

 the saddle should fit the former and suit the 

 latter. Nor would I ever buy a saddle that did 

 not suit me, however good it might be in other 

 respects. A saddle should be roomy. Weight 

 is of small importance in a saddle compared 

 to sufficient length and space. It should be 

 so cut and stuffed that it will not press on 

 the horse anywhere. It should sit right off 

 the withers. Cut-back saddles I do not care for, 

 but some people like them. The flaps should not 

 be stuffed but sit close to the horse. I prefer 

 plain flaps, but that is, of course, purely a matter 

 of taste. They certainly look smarter. When 

 you have a new pair of stirrup leathers, hack about 

 in them until they have become easy and flexible. 

 It is a great mistake to hunt in new leathers, they 

 are very apt to lead to strain of the rider's muscle. 

 For girths, the Fitzwilliam are the best for general 

 use, but if they rub the horse then leather girths 

 will be in some cases found to be better. I have 



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