How to Strap on a Saddle

No matter what style of riding you prefer, you need to make sure your tack is safe and secure. Learning to tack up your own horse and check the safety of your equipment is a critical part of horseback riding, and something every rider needs to know. The procedures for tacking up a horse are different for English and Western riders, but all riders need to make sure the girth is secure before they mount up and hit the trails.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle pad
  • Saddle
Show More

Instructions

  1. English Saddle

    • 1

      Place the saddle pad on the horse's back, just behind the withers. Set the saddle down gently on top of the pad.

    • 2

      Walk around to the off side of the horse (the left side as you are facing the animal) and pull the girth down. Let the girth hang at the horse's side and move back to the near side.

    • 3

      Reach under the horse's belly and pull the girth toward you. Pull the girth up and pull the billets on the near side of the saddle through the buckles on the girth.

    • 4

      Pull the girth up until it fits snugly, then insert the buckles on the girth through the billets. You should be able to fit your hand between the girth and the horse, so the girth feels snug against your hand, but not tight.

    • 5

      Mount your horse and ride for a few minutes. Reach down and feel the girth. Pull the girth up to the next hole in the billet if it is too loose. Some horses inhale air while being tacked up, and this can cause the saddle to become too loose after a few minutes. If your horse stands still, you can adjust the girth from the saddle. Otherwise, dismount, tighten the girth, and mount up again.

    Western Saddle

    • 6

      Place the saddle pad on the horse's back and position it just behind the withers. Flip the girth, cinch and stirrups up over the saddle seat and sit the saddle gently on top of the pad.

    • 7

      Move to the off (left) side of the horse and carefully pull the girth down. Let the girth hang at the horse's side and move back to the near side.

    • 8

      Pull the cinch strap down and let it hang at the horse's side. Reach under the horse, grasp the girth and pull it toward you. Pull the cinch strap through the buckle on the end of the girth.

    • 9

      Slide the end of the cinch strap through the D-ring on the near side of the saddle. Pull the end of the cinch over to the left side and pull it toward you.

    • 10

      Pull the end of the cinch over to the right and then through the right side of the D-ring. Pull the end of the cinch straight down to create a loose knot.

    • 11

      Lift the girth up and toward you, then pull down on the end of the cinch to tigthen it. Continue doing this until the cinch is snug, but not too tight. Mount your horse and ride for a few minutes, then check the tightness of the cinch and tighten it as necessary. You will need to dismount your horse to tighten the cinch.