8 



PRINCIPLES OF 



Hence it is evident, that the saddle should 

 be proportioned to the size of the horse ; the 

 bearings before being clear of interference 

 with the plate-bone, and not extending further 

 behind than within four inches of the hips. 



The bearing of the saddle should be equal 

 on every part it is intended to touch ; and 

 the closer it comes, so that neither the weight 

 of the rider nor settling of the pannel can 

 bring it to injure the withers or chine, the 

 better. 



The rider should, therefore, examine with 

 his finger from the bearing of the side of the 

 withers to the point of the tree, whether it 

 appears to have equal pressure ; and the same 

 around the hinder part of the saddle. 



If there be space for the finger between the 

 pommel and the withers, and between the 

 chine and back part of the saddle, it probably 

 will not injure the horse, unless the tree, being 

 weak, spread with the weight of the rider, or 

 the pannel is newly stulfed. 



