The saddle fitted to distribute the pressure evenly all over the surface of the side bars, will only do so as long as the back remains in the same condition as it was at the time of moulding. Should muscle waste occur the bars no longer fit; should the muscles of the back become larger and fuller, the same result follows; hence, unless the same condition is maintained, the care and time spent moulding the bars to the curves of the back are thrown away.

In practice we have to be satisfied with something which falls far short of the ideal, but is the nearest approach which is practicable.

This is just as marked in fitting a plain saddle, where, in fact, little or no attention is paid to the curves of the side bars, the fit of the saddle and distribution of weight being assured through the medium of a panel stuffed with horsehair and flock.

If the side bars for military saddles were no longer than those used in plain saddles, their management would be greatly simplified, but it is considered necessary that they should project beyond the front arch and behind the rear arch, in order to assist in carrying the man’s impedimenta.

The Burr
That part of the side by projecting beyond the front arch is termed the burr, and little reflection will show what a serious obstacle it may prove to the fitting of the saddle, and to the locomotion of the horse.

Pressure of the burr
Taking the latter is being the most serious objection it is evident from our account of the movements of the blade bone, that a burr to the side bars is calculated, unless great care in fitting be adopted, to press upon the shoulder blade and prevent the free extension of the limbs.