THE HORSEMAN. 11 



CHAPTER II. 



SECTION I. Horse Equipments. 



THE saddle should be proportioned to the size of the 

 horse, and so constructed as to press x only upon the 

 ribs on either side of the backbone, leaving a thorough 

 channel above the spine. 



The seat of the saddle should be long enough to ad- 

 mit of a free action of the rider's thighs when galloping ; 

 if too short, the rider's position will be constrained. The 

 highest part of the saddle should be behind its centre, for 

 the rider will then be enabled to seat himself without 

 stirrups or effort. 



In adjusting the saddle upon the horse's back, the 

 pressure should be entirely clear of the shoulders and 

 loins. If the saddle is placed upon the withers, the ac- 

 tion of the shoulders is confined ; and if the weight is 

 thrown upon the loins, which is the weakest part of the 

 back, the horse will tire the sooner. Besides, it places 

 the rider in rear of the centre of motion, which diminish- 

 es the clasp of the thighs and calves, and he becomes the 

 sport of the horse's movements. 



This admits of easy illustration. For example, stride 

 a pole six feet long, which is turned to and fro horizon- 

 tally or vertically,, on a pivot fixed in its centre, and you 

 will at once perceive that the nearer you approximate 



