How to Tie the Strings on a Saddle

If you have a Western style saddle, you have probably noticed those pieces of leather hanging down in front of and behind the seat. Those strings do more than make the saddle look attractive - they serve a practical purpose as well. The ties on a Western saddle are designed to hold saddle bags and other essential equipment that ranch workers and trail riders need. Learning to tie those strings securely is part of safe riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle bag
  • Cinch strap
  • Off billet
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Instructions

  1. Saddle Bags

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a sturdy surface. That makes it easier to work with the saddle and tie on the saddle bags.

    • 2

      Hold the saddle bag in one hand and the strings on the back of the Western saddle in the other. Thread the strings on the back of the Western saddle through the holes in the saddle bag.

    • 3

      Pull the saddle strings toward you through the holes until the saddle bag fits tightly against the back surface of the saddle. Tie the two strings together to form a knot.

    • 4

      Tie another knot after pulling the first one tight. Check the tightness of the knot each time you saddle your horse.

    Cinch and Off Billet

    • 5

      Place the saddle on a sturdy stand before you begin. Move to the near side of the saddle and flip the stirrup up over the seat to give yourself more room to work. The near side is the right side as you face the saddle.

    • 6

      Run the cinch strap through the large D-ring on the front of the saddle, just in front of the stirrup. Line up the holes in the cinch strap and run a small piece of leather through the holes. The ends of the leather piece should be facing you.

    • 7

      Pull the ends of the leather pieces toward you and tie them in a knot. Tighten the knot then tie another one to form a double knot. Check the tightness of this knot each time you saddle the horse and tighten the girth.

    • 8

      Move to the off side of the saddle and locate the D-ring on that side. Place the off billet through that ring, with one piece of leather on each side so that the holes line up. The off billet is a single piece of leather, designed so that one part hangs on either side of the D-ring.

    • 9

      Line the holes up and pull a small piece of leather through the holes. Tie a knot, pull it tight and then tie another knot, just like you did with the cinch strap on the other side of the saddle.