The Gentleman's Seat. 71 



will, no doubt, lead him to be liberal in everything 

 regarding his horse. 



Before mounting always make it a point to 

 thoroughly examine your horse's furniture. See 

 that the saddle is not too far forward or backward. 

 The right position is fair in the middle of his 

 back, with the fore part just clear of his shoulders. 

 If it be too forward it interferes with their action, 

 and thus not only impedes his progress, but helps 

 to throw him dow^n, and in all respects is very 

 uncomfortable to both horse and rider. See that 

 the girths are neither too loose nor too tight when 

 starting. They should admit of the finger being 

 passed easily between them and the horse. After 

 a httle exercise they will require to be tightened : 

 this should be done while in the saddle, by raising 

 the right or left leg, as the case may require, over 



