How to Saddle a Horse
Saddling a horse is one of the first things you want to know when learning how to ride. Whether you have an English or Western saddle, learn how to saddle a horse. This is accomplished safely and effectively while keeping your horse calm and comfortable.
The following steps will ensure that you saddle your horse the right way. Before you get started, check your horse for any abrasions, cuts or wounds and make sure it is safely tied.
- Place your pad or blanket on the horse, making sure it is evenly placed and the hair on your horse's back is lying down flat.
- Lift and place the saddle on the horse without knocking the pad or blanket out of place. Do this slow and patiently so it does not fall on your horse, which can scare it.
- From the right side of the horse, lower the cinch and stirrup. Always make certain that the pad or blanket is in the center of the horse and doesn't adjust itself in another position. This can cause it to ride up and cause discomfort to your horse.
- Reach under your horse and grab the cinch or girth and buckle or fasten it. Do this in short increments so that the horse does not feel threatened or anticipate being in discomfort. It does not have to be too tight, just tight enough to stay on.
- Fasten any tabs that are at the front of the saddle, if applicable. These will go through the D-rings at the front.
- Check for wrinkled areas on the horse's skin underneath the girth. You do this by stretching your horse's front legs while standing in front of it. This can cause the girth to loosen some and in that case it will have to be tightened.
Once you get the hang of saddling your horse, it will become second nature.