The remedy for the above-described state of affairs is very simple, the principle being that the fans to be kept off the loins, either by extra folds in the blanket, or a numnah panel. The thickness of either of these must be such that the fans are raised off the loins to such a height that the hand may find ready admission beneath them when the man is in the saddle and leaning back.

This is also a case where the blanket should be folded shorter.

Girth-galls
Horses will also gall that are in soft condition; it is one first affecting a remount on beginning its military training, but ceases as soon as he improves in condition. This should be borne in mind, and girths not structurally altered under the impression that these are to blame; all that is necessary is to put a piece of sheepskin around the girth until improvement in condition sets in.

They should have their girths tightened after the man mounts, and all, as a rule, require the girths tightening after they have been out a little time.

Especially is this the case on the line of march, for under these circumstances the horses are carrying a greater weight, and it is of the utmost importance it should rock as little as possible. A loose girth for a soldier’s horse is on this account a great mistake.

We must always remember that a saddle is never girthed to a back as tightly as it seems; when a man’s weight is in the saddle the girths at once become slacker.