How to Punch Holes in Nylon Girth

Many Western saddles now come with nylon girths instead of the standard leather. Nylon is more resistant to moisture, making it a good choice for trail riding saddles and saddles that receive rough wear. On the other hand, nylon can slip more easily than leather, so many riders punch holes in the nylon girth and run the saddle rigging buckles through those holes to hold the saddle in place more securely.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle stand
  • Measuring tape
  • Leather punch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a sturdy stand. The saddle stand should be as high as possible to allow you to access the entire cinch without removing it from the saddle.

    • 2

      Measure the distance between any existing holes on the girth. If the girth does not have any holes, mark a spot where you want the first hole to go. Use something that will be easily visible on the nylon such as a white paint stick or marker.

    • 3

      Mark the position for the next hole by measuring the distance from the existing hole. For instance, if the existing holes are 2 inches apart, measure 2 inches down from the last hole and place your marker there.

    • 4

      Position the leather punch so that the protruding part is against the mark you placed on the girth. The flat side of the leather punch goes behind the girth.

    • 5

      Press down on the leather punch to create the hole in the nylon girth. You may need to wiggle the leather punch back and forth a few times to create the hole.