How Do English Saddles Work?

English horseback-riding saddles have been used to allow humans to ride on horses's backs comfortably and securely for hundreds of years. There are a number of different styles of English riding saddles, such as all-purpose, saddle-seat and dressage, but all perform the same basic task and have the same general components. Riders have to develop their riding skills through practice before they'll be able to comfortably and securely ride in an English saddle.

Things You'll Need

  • English saddle
  • Girth
  • Saddle pad
  • Bridle
  • Experienced helper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Groom your horse thoroughly, paying special attention to the back and girth areas. If dirt is trapped between the saddle and the horse's skin, sores can develop and cause the horse pain.

    • 2

      Place the saddle pad on your horse's back, directly over the withers. Place the English saddle on top of the saddle pad, allowing it to slide back slightly until it rests naturally on the horse's back. A saddle should be fitted for the horse by an experienced rider prior to use in order to make sure it's the right size for the horse. The saddle should sit smoothly on the horse's back, with adequate clearance through the gullet for his backbone.

    • 3

      Attach the girth to the billets on the right side of the saddle, then attach the girth to the billets on the left side of the saddle. The billets are the three leather straps that are located under the saddle flap. There are three billets, but girths only attach to two of them; which two you use is up to you, but be sure to use the same two on each side. Gradually tighten the girth, alternating sides. Keep the girth as even as possible. For example, if the girth is on the third hole on one side, it should ideally be on or within one hole of the third hole of the other side. Get the girth as snug as possible, rechecking it before and after you mount.

    • 4

      Check the stirrup length. If you've never ridden before, a good rule of thumb is to hold the base of the stirrup in your armpit and stretch out your arm straight along the length of the stirrup leather to the saddle. The stirrup leather should be taut. If it doesn't reach or hangs loose, adjust it by moving the buckle up or down as many holes as necessary. Make sure both stirrup leathers are adjusted to the same length.

    • 5

      Bridle or halter the horse. If you don't know how to bridle or halter the horse, have your experienced helper or riding instructor show you the correct way to do so. It's unsafe to mount a horse that you don't have a way to control, which is why the horse should always be bridled (or at least haltered, with an experienced handler holding the lead rope) before mounting. Otherwise, you'll simply be forced to go wherever the horse wants, at whatever speed it chooses, which is extremely unsafe.

    • 6

      Go to the left side of your horse (your left). Have your helper hold both the reins (or lead rope) and the right stirrup of the saddle. Place your left foot in the left stirrup, grasp the pommel (front) of the saddle with your left hand, carefully swing your right leg over the saddle and lift/pull yourself onto the horse. (If necessary, use a mounting block or other stepping stool.) Place your right foot in the right stirrup. The ball of each foot should be resting on the bar of the stirrup. Push your heels down toward the ground. Sit up straight and try to relax your hips and seat as the horse moves.