Instructions
Place the saddle pad on your horse's back with the pad just behind the horse's withers. Approach your horse from the right side with the right stirrup and the girth flipped over the seat of the saddle. Set the saddle in place gently on top of the saddle pad.
Walk to the left side of your horse and pull the girth down so that it hangs at the horse's side. You can leave the stirrup flipped over the saddle seat if you wish.
Move back to the right side of your horse and reach underneath to grab the girth. Pull the cinch strap through the ring on the end of the girth.
Pull the end of the cinch strap through the D-ring on your saddle. This is the ring the cinch is attached to. Move the cinch to the left and pull it down through the D-ring on the left side.
Pull the cinch strap over to the right and run it up through the right side of the D-ring. Pull the end of the cinch strap down so that it forms a knot.
Tighten the cinch by pulling up on the leather strap nearest to you. That creates slack in the cinch strap. Then pull the end of the cinch strap to tighten it. Continue to alternate between pulling the closest leather strap and pulling the end of the cinch until the saddle is snug. When the saddle is snug enough you should be able to it your hand between the cinch and your horse and have it feel secure.
Ride or walk your horse around for a few minutes, then check the tightness of the cinch again. Some horses puff up with air as they are being saddled, so you might need to tighten the cinch a second time before you take off for your ride.
How to Tie a Saddle Cinch Knot
When you ride, your safety depends on the tightness and the security of your cinch. The cinch strap is what holds the saddle securely on your horse, and if it is not fastened properly your ride could end rather abruptly. Taking the time to check the condition of the cinch before each ride is one of the best things you can do for your safety as well as your horse's safety.