If this is your first time putting a saddle on a horse, it might seem a little complicated so we’re providing you with a step-by-step guide of how it’s done. Once you’ve done it a few times, it’ll be second nature to you.
Step 1 – Brush the Horse
The very first step to putting a saddle on your horse is to make sure your horse is brushed, getting all of the dirt and grit off of the animal. Make sure your horse’s hair lies flat. Check for dirt and grit on the girth and around it. Having grit or dirt in these areas can cause pain to your horse which can cause the horse to act out.
Most horses are trained to accept being saddled from their left hand side. This also known as the ‘near’ side. The right hand side of the horse is the ‘off side’. Unless you know the horse very well, alway stand on the near side of him while you are putting the saddle on.
Step 2 – Position the Saddle Cloth
Western saddle pads are folded in half and the fold faces the front once you put it on the horse.
An English saddle cloth is shaped so it will fit under the saddle Sometimes they need to be tied down to keep them in place and will have a loop and hook tab that attaches to a D-ring on your saddle.
Put the saddle pad on your horse. This is extremely critical. Make sure to place it forward and over the withers then slide it into place. this will ensure the hair on your horse’s back will lie down comfortably underneath. The saddle pad needs to be at an even, equal length on both sides.
Check for rolls, wrinkles, or folds and smooth them down with your hands.
Step 3 – Lift the Saddle On (gently!)
If you are using an English saddle, run the stirrups up the leathers so they won’t swing and hit the horse. This will also keep your stirrups from getting caught on anything.
With a Western saddle, fold the offside stirrup over the saddle seat or hook it over the horn.
If a cinch (or girth) is attached then it also needs to be folded over the saddle.
Some people using English saddles choose to take the girth off after each ride. If you decide to do this you need to be sure to buckle both sides back up when you saddle up again.
The proper way to put your saddle on is to place it slightly forward then settle it back.
Make sure to put the saddle down extremely gently so you don’t spook or surprise your horse.
Step 4 – Smooth Down the Wrinkles
For a western saddle, you need to be on the offside and bring the stirrup down. Make sure that there are no folds, creases, or wrinkles on either side beneath the saddle. Buckle/tie the cinch to the offside. Double-check the saddle pad to make sure it is lying flat, and the horse’s hair is lying the way it should.
Step 5 – Check on Both Sides of Your Saddle
The saddle must sit evenly on both sides of the horse. Make sure, when moving around the horse, walk around in front of him, instead of behind.
Now you can reach under the horse’s belly for the end of the cinch or girth.
Step 6 – Buckle Up
Tie/buckle the cinch/girth loosely. Slowly tighten it in increments and check it again just before you mount and once you’ve mounted. Your horse may actually “bloat” itself if it is anticipating the discomfort. If he does then make him take a step forward, wait a couple of minutes until he exhales then tighten the cinch/girth again.
Tighten it just enough for the saddle to hold itself in place. You should be able to slide your fingers between the cinch and the horse.
If there are tabs on the saddle pads then slide them through the D-rings or you can tie them.
Step 7 – Stretch your Horse’s Legs
To make sure that there are not any wrinkles on the horse’s skin under the cinch/girth, and that he’s not being pinched, you need to stretch his legs out.
Stand straight in front of your horse, lift up its leg gently. Do this by holding the canon low and stretching it forward. Then repeat this with his other front leg. This will sometimes cause the girth to loosen. Check it again before you actually mount the horse. Ride a few minutes then check it again.
Conclusion
Remember that the horse can feel if you are tense or nervous. So even if this is your first time saddling a horse, make sure to stay calm. Learning to saddle a horse takes time. At all times, you and your horse need to be safe and comfortable, so just take your time. Once you learn how to saddle a horse, it won’t take long for you to master it