Directions for Saddle & Bridle Repair

No matter what breed of horse you own or what style of riding you do, your saddle and bridle are essential pieces of safety equipment. You should check the condition of your tack each and every time you ride, both when you tack up your horse and when you put the equipment away. Checking your tack for problems and making minor repairs along the way is the best way to increase the safety and the comfort of your riding experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle screws
  • Leather strips
Show More

Instructions

  1. Bridle Repair

    • 1

      Hang the bridle on a hook or bridle rack that allows you to examine it from all sides. Examine the screws that secure the top part of the bridle to the bit. These screws tend to work themselves loose as the bridle is used, and a missing or failed screw is one of the most common causes of bridle failure.

    • 2

      Tighten the screws that secure the top of the bridle to the bit. Tighten the screws until they cannot go any further. Examine the threads on the screws and replace them if they are worn smooth. You may need to purchase these replacement screws from a tack shop, since they are not typically available at hardware stores. It is a good idea to keep a few spare bridle screws on hand.

    • 3

      Check the condition of the leather pieces that tie the reins to the bit. This leather can dry out and crack, and that could cause the reins to come loose while you are riding. Replace any worn leather pieces and check the security of the reins.

    • 4

      Hold the bridle in one hand and examine the sides of the bridle top, the part where you can adjust the bridle to fit different size horses. Look for signs of wear in the holes along the sides of the bridle, including holes that are starting to wear through the leather. Punch a new hole in the sides of the bridle if necessary.

    Saddle Repair

    • 5

      Turn the saddle upside down and pull sharply on the sides. You should not feel any give in the saddle. If you do it could indicate a problem with the tree, the thing the saddle is built on. If you suspect that the tree is cracked, you should take the saddle to a saddle shop for evaluation and professional repair.

    • 6

      Check the condition of the sheepskin that lines the bottom of a western saddle, or the flocking that lines the bottom of an English saddle. If the flocking is coming out, or the sheepskin is torn, the saddle needs to be repaired by a professional.

    • 7

      Examine the condition of the cinch strap on the western saddle, especially the spot where it attaches to the D ring on the side of the saddle. The cinch attaches with a small piece of leather, and that leather can come loose, or begin to deteriorate, over time. Replace any worn leather, and replace the entire cinch if it is beginning to wear or crack.

    • 8

      Check the condition of the girth strap, including the area where it attaches to the saddle. Look for any enlarged or worn holes where the girth attaches to the saddle, and punch new holes if necessary.