How to Cinch an Australian Saddle Properly

An Australian saddle combines the light weight and flexibility of an English saddle with the security and practicality of a Western saddle. Australian saddles generally come equipped with buckles and clips to hold saddle bags and other gear, as well as a saddle horn for hanging ropes and providing support for new riders. As with any saddle, the Australian saddle must be cinched and adjusted properly. If the saddle is not tight enough, the security of the rider is at risk. If the saddle is too tight, the horse will be uncomfortable and cranky.

Things You'll Need

  • Australian saddle
  • Saddle pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle pad on your horse's back, just behind the withers. Make sure the saddle pad is lying flat, and that it is even on both sides.

    • 2

      Sit the saddle on your horse's back, making sure that the saddle is even and positioned firmly on top of the saddle pad. Flip the stirrups over the top of the saddle to keep them out of the way while you tighten the cinch.

    • 3

      Move to the off side of the horse. This is the left hand side as you are facing him. Flip up the piece of leather that covers the stirrup leathers and locate the cinch underneath. Straighten the cinch and allow it to hang straight down.

    • 4

      Walk to the near side of the horse. This is the right hand side as you face the horse. Carefully reach under your horse's belly and pull the cinch toward you.

    • 5

      Lift the flap covering the stirrup leathers and locate the billets. The billets are pieces of leather that hang down from the saddle. Each billet has a series of holes for attaching the cinch.

    • 6

      Pull the leather billet straps through the buckles in the cinch. Tighten the cinch until you can just fit your hand between the horse's side and the cinch. Walk your horse around for a few minutes, then check the tightness of the cinch again and readjust if needed. Some horses suck in air while being cinched, and when they let out that breath, the cinch can become too loose.