How to Attach All the Parts of a Western Saddle

If you plan to ride western, you need to have a solid western saddle underneath you. The western saddle is much larger and more substantial than the English saddle, but the parts function in much the same way. In order to use the saddle safely, you must first attach the girth, the cinch strap and the billet strap properly. Checking your saddle to make sure those parts are properly attached should be part of every pre-ride safety check.

Things You'll Need

  • Girth strap
  • Cinch strap
  • Leather
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place a saddle stand in a spot where you will have plenty of room to walk around it. Place the saddle on the stand and move to the right side of the saddle as you are facing it.

    • 2

      Locate the ring near the front of the saddle, just in front of the stirrup leather. Run the end of the cinch strap around that ring and line up the holes in the cinch strap. The cinch strap has two sets of two holes, and you attach the strap by running a piece of leather through those holes and tying it securely.

    • 3

      Run a sturdy piece of leather through the holes on the cinch strap and tie it securely. Double-knot the leather to make sure it is secure.

    • 4

      Move to the other side of the saddle and locate the ring on the other side. This ring is directly across from the one you just worked with. Locate the billet strap hanging down. This strap has a series of holes in it, and it is used to attach the girth strap.

    • 5

      Run the billet strap through the buckle on the girth strap and secure it. You can move the girth up and down as needed when you get ready to saddle your horse.

    • 6

      Go to the rear of the saddle and locate the ring just behind the stirrup leather. This is the connection for the back cinch. A back cinch is not always used, but if you want to use it the cinch attaches the same way as the front one.