The almost universal saddle rigging in use the West over is a breast strap of webbing fastened at the forward points of the saddle, and a breech strap fastened to the back points of the saddle, with guy lines running from the top to prevent its falling too far down the horse's legs. This, with the double cinch, works fairly well. Its main trouble is that the breech strap is apt to work up under the horse's tail, and the breast strap is likely to shut off his wind at the throat.
Mr. Ernest Britten, a mountaineer in the Sierras, has, however, invented a rig which in the nicety of its compensations, and the accuracy of its adjustments is perfection. Every one becomes a convert, and hastens to alter his own outfit.
[Illustration: _Mr. Ernest Britten's Pack Rig._]
The breasting is a strap (_a_) running from the point of the saddle to a padded ring in the middle of the chest. Thence another strap (_b_) runs to the point of the saddle on the other side, where it buckles. A third strap (_c_) in the shape of a loop goes between the fore legs and around the front cinch.
The breeching is somewhat more complicated. I think, however, with a few rivets, straps, and buckles you will be able to alter your own saddle in half an hour.
[Illustration: _Ordinary and Inferior Pack Rig Usually Employed._]
The back cinch you remove. A short strap (_d_), riveted to the middle of the front cinch, passes back six inches to a ring (_e_). This ring will rest on the middle of the belly. From the ring two other straps (_ff_) ascend diagonally to the buckles (_g_) in the ends of the breeching. From the ends of the breeching other straps (_h_) attach to what would be the back cinch ring (_k_). That constitutes the breeching rig. It is held up by a long strap (_m_) passing from one side to the other over the horse's rump through a ring on top. The ring is attached to the saddle by a short strap (_n_).
[Illustration: Nearing a crest and in sight of game]
Such a rig prevents the breeching from riding up or dropping down; it gives the horse all his wind going up hill, but holds firmly going down; when one part loosens, the other tightens; and the saddle cinch, except to keep the saddle from turning, is practically useless and can be left comparatively loose. I cannot too strongly recommend you, both for your horse's comfort and your own, to adopt this rigging.