These consist of saddles, bridles, breast-plates and martingales.

Saddles may be had of almost any size or weight, to suit the rider, one of twelve or fourteen pounds is about the average weight. They may be made with either plain or padded flaps, according to the seat and fancy of the rider. Some prefer the former, and others the latter. For the generality of riders there cannot be a doubt that the padded flaps are by far the better, as they keep the knee more steadily in the proper place, prevent the leg flying backwards and forwards if the horse jumps or plunges; while in hunting they are of a very material assistance in taking a drop jump, and also in steadying and recovering a horse when blundering or falling at a fence. The plain flaps have perhaps a smarter appearance, and a clever horseman may be able to ride as well on them as on the padded flaps, but that is almost all that can be said for them.

The saddle should be of sufficient length and breadth that the weight of the rider may be pretty equally distributed over it, or the back of the horse will suffer, and saddle galls be the result. Every hunting and riding man knows, from experience, how difficult and tedious it is to get a back right after being once galled.

The stirrups should not be small, for, in the event of a fall, the foot is more likely to hang in them. All well-made saddles have spring bars, which should be occasionally oiled, that they may work easily, and release the stirrup-leather should such an accident occur. The stirrup-leather should be of the best, close and strong, not too heavy, or it will look clumsy.

Every saddle requires two girths - which may either be of the ordinary kind of the same width, with a buckle at each end, or one broad with two buckles at each end, which is put on first, and a second, about half the width only, over it, with one buckle at each end. The latter, called the Fitzwilliam girth, is the better and stronger for hunting.

After use, the lining of the saddle must be thoroughly dried in the sun, or before the fire, and then well brushed, which will keep it soft and clean.

This is particularly necessary with side-saddles. It is for want of this care and attention that so many horses have sore backs. When dirty, the saddle must be sponged clean, but not made more wet than is absolutely necessary; after which, a little soft soap rubbed on will preserve the leather soft and pliable, and prevent it cracking.

In choosing a saddle, go to a first-rate maker; he may be a little more expensive, but you will get a good article, that will wear three times as long as an inferior one, will fit the generality of horses, will never get out of form, and will look well to the last. The price, complete, will be about 6 guineas; that of a side-saddle, about 10 guineas.

The Breast-Plate Or Hunting-Plate

Is used to keep the saddle in its place when hunting. It is also of great service on horses with short back-ribs, to prevent the saddle working back, which it is very likely to do. Both on the road and in the field no lady should ride without one, as it will keep the side-saddle securely in its place, and prevent it turning round should the girths get loosened, or one break.