12 THE HORSEMAN. 



the pivot or centre of motion, the easier you can preserve 

 your equilibrium. 



The pommel should be as low as possible, but not rest- 

 ing on the point of the shoulders. A high pommel al- 

 ways threatens the rider with rupture. 



A high cantle is also objectionable, as it tends to 

 throw the rider off his balance, when in the act of pass- 

 ing his leg over in mounting and dismounting, particu- 

 larly if the horse is restive. 



A high cantle properly constructed is, however, a great 

 support to the rider on a long journey, without being an 

 injury to the horse. 



The panels of the saddle should be sufficiently wide 

 not to cut or bury into the horse's ribs ; but if too wide 

 and extended below the point of pressure, the saddle 

 bulges, and consequently the clasp of the rider is dimin- 

 ished. 



The skirts or flaps should be long and wide enough to 

 prevent the rider's clothes being soiled ; and the padding 

 between them and the horse's sides, below the panels, 

 should be very thin. 



If the skirts extend below the pad or blanket, the sur- 

 cingle (if used) should pass through holes made in the 

 skirts a few inches above the lower part of the 'pad or 

 blanket, so that they may not chafe the horse's sides. 



The stirrup leathers should* be broad, and made of 

 strong and firm materials, not elastic. 



The buckle may be placed near the stirrup-iron. This 

 precludes the necessity of raising the saddle-skirt when 



