dency to do, in order to escape from the pressure of the mouth-piece, this martingale will be liable to make him fall backwards.

SADDLE.

I would not advise the use of a new saddle, which rarely gives satisfaction to the rider. New leather is hard and stiff, and consequently the seat of the saddle will not be comfortable. It is best to try several second-hand saddles, one of which is certain to give satisfaction.

The seat of a saddle ought to be fairly straight. If it is too high at the pommel the rider will be thrown back, and if it is too high at the cantle he will be thrown forward. I am also of opinion that a saddle should have very little stuffing, so that the rider may get close to his horse.

The length of the flaps should be proportionate to that of the thighs of the rider. If they are too short, the rider might hurt the calves of his legs. If too long, he will not be able to feel the sides of the horse with his legs. The rider can please himself as regards plain flaps or knee rolls, which are a matter of habit and firmness of seat. I believe I was the first to use a plain flap saddle for high school riding.

I always begin with a pupil by putting him on a French saddle in preference to an English one, as he is able to get better into it, and is consequently more at his ease. After the beginner acquires a firm seat in a French saddle, I put him in an English saddle covered with doeskin, and when he is able to trot, canter and turn without rolling about, I give him a plain English saddle to ride on.

STIRRUPS.

I never allow a pupil to use stirrups until he has acquired a good seat at all paces, and in this respect I follow the