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-j 

 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 toi 

 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, hov/ever, 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 td 

 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-i 

 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 maybe placed near the stirrup-iron. This; 

 precludes the necessity of raising the saddle-skirt when 



