72 The Art of Biding. 



the front of the saddle, with the foot resting 

 beside the horse's neck. In this position stretch 

 down the hand and tighten the girth by re-adjust- 

 ment of the straps. In a similar manner the 

 length of the stirrup leathers should be arranged 

 as required. These are very necessary movements, 

 and a little practice will soon render their accom- 

 plishment easy. The practised horseman can 

 lengthen or shorten his stirrup leathers as easily 

 while trotting as he can standing on the ground 

 by the horse's side. 



Having seen that your horse has been cor- 

 rectly saddled, next turn your attention to his 

 head furniture. It is of extreme importance that 

 the head-piece should fit well. Anything wrong 

 in this respect will chafe and fret a high-spirited 

 horse almost beyond endurance. It should be 



