Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1881-10-08
On Saddles.


Some one we'll informed on thes blect OF
saddles. saws theYare in almost Infinite yari-
etv. nevertheless the most important kinds
NAV be classed into about . dozen different
STYLES or makes. zach Of fthesc styles have
theiradmirers. The English saddle, proper,
is padded underneath, and is leather
covered, with.no horn in front and only
slight rise behind Ii is very light and easy
for the horse. 1t is also easy for the rider
when he has once become accustomed to 1t.
Ornament can be puI on the saddle or 1t can
be made-plain. Some have the seat stuffed,
but Aic best riders prefer a hard leather
scat. covered with the best quality of hog
leather. They should also have saddle
cloths to protect the riders clothes from tho
animal. Any style of stirgup can be useo
that is preferred, put an iron one Is geneT.
ally used. In England fox-hunters have
patent stirrup that will open upon the rider
being thrown, releasing the foot, thus all
danger of being dragged by the horse Is
ohviated. When one has used this style OF
saddle long enough TO have 4 firm seat in 1t,
he need NOT fear but what he can ride any
saddle mad,
The saddle largely used by our Govern
ment for cavalry service was called the
Mcclellan saddle. This is rather deep
seated saddle, with high projections in trout
and rearof tie seat, coming 20 round point
with straps to hold the accoutrcments
These are rot padded on the undcrside,
which neccssitates the use of blankets under
them TO protect the horse. These saddles
are used with wood Stirrups, and are some
times furnished with crupper and breast
piece to keep them from slipping.
The Texas saddle is an entirely different
afElir from either of the above, and is built
on what is called Texas tree-the tree OF
the saddle being 4 wooden framework. The
wood of the tree is cut along the back, but
the front rises tip into broad, round, fiat
pomucl, that rises rather high; the rear of
the eat is also high, thus furnishing deep
seat for the rider. These are lcathcr-covered
and rcneralivwoll-tinis and have 10 bo
used with saddle blankets. They are gen
crally used with one girth, but in some case
they have two. The girth most popular
is braided horsehair with large ring. IN
each end. These are made fast TO the saddle
on each side by long tic-strapi, which en-
able the rider to draw the girth 50 tight
that it is impossible for 1t 10 slip or glyei
and in some cases they cinctnre thelr
horses 50 tight rs to almost cut them IN Two
Where they use two girths the rear one Is
placed just forward Of the flank and over
the large part of the horses belly This, Is
also oftehtimes so tight rs to make the
horse uncomfortable, and is fruitful causs
of "bucking." The object of the two girths
and the drawing of them so tight Is, that
when the riders rope cattle, ms it is called
in other words. throw their lariat oycra steer
one end of which is fastened to the horn OF
the saddle. it is absolutely necessary that
there shall be no give or turn 20 the saddle
When one of these saddles is properly put
on the horse, il is almost part OF hln;
there is certainly no more give To II thai
there would be to any part OF his body.