Instructions for Tackleberry Bates Cinch

The Bates conversion kit is a billeting change that is designed to allow riders to use a western saddle D-ring girth on an Australian saddle. Aussie saddles traditionally feature one billeted side and one D-ring. The tackaberry buckle is a converter that allows riders to tighten a western girth without having to perform the traditional cinch wrapping and knotting process. It is designed to make tacking up simpler and require less effort and strength from the rider. A Bates tackaberry conversion puts a Bates system on an Aussie Saddle with a tackaberry buckle, completely modifying the girthing system.

Things You'll Need

  • Bates western conversion kit
  • Western girth
  • Tackaberry buckle
  • Aussie saddle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Replace the over-girth on your Aussie saddle with the Bates over-girth. The Bates over-girth features D-rings instead of billets. It goes across the top of the saddle and attaches to the girth. Attach the cinch strap to the D-rings on the Bates over-girth the same way as you would on any western saddle.

    • 2

      Pick up the tackaberry buckle and hold it so that the lip and tongue are facing away from the saddle. Run the nylon tackaberry strap over the girth ring, run it down inside the buckle and then thread it back out through the top opening on the buckle. The pointed end of the strap should end up facing outwards.

    • 3

      Pass the pointed section of the nylon strap back into the girth ring, then run it back over the girth ring to create a loop. Tighten down on the back part of the strap, then run the pointed end of the strap into the bottom opening on the buckle and pull it back through. This will complete the attachment of the buckle to the girth.

    • 4

      Slip the D-ring on the girth into the slot above the lip of the tackaberry. Pull the nylon tackaberry strap until the girth is snug and the saddle is not at risk for slipping. The strap should slide easily, if it does not, you might not have attached the buckle properly.

    • 5

      Fully tighten the girth and then run the pointed end of the strap down into the loops on the girth, then thread it back up through the same loops. You will be able to tug the strap to quickly release the tongue of the tackaberry and release the girth at any time. The tackaberry buckle and its assembly should stay on the saddle permanently once you have it set up properly.