Instructions
Place the saddle pad on the horse's back, positioning the front of the pad just behind the withers. Sit the saddle on top of the pad.
Walk around to the off side of the horse. This is the left side as you face him. Lift the saddle flap and locate the billet straps. The saddle flap is the large piece of leather that covers the stirrups. When you lift that flap, you will see two or three leather straps hanging down. These are the billets. Each billet contains a series of holes--the buckles on the girth go through the holes in the billet strap to hold it in place.
Attach the girth to the billet straps, running the straps through the buckle on the girth and into one of the holes. The girth is designed to hold the saddle in place by fitting around the horse's midsection. In order to be secure, the girth must be properly attached to the billet straps. Be sure that all of the billet straps are connected to the same length of girth. Most Australian saddles have two billet straps, with each strap attaching to a buckle on the girth.
Walk back to the near side of the horse. This is the right side as you face the horse. Carefully reach under your horse and pull the girth toward you.
Lift up the flap on the near side of the Australian saddle and locate the billet straps. Tighten the girth until you can just get your hand between the girth and the horse's side, then pull the billet straps through the buckles on the girth.
How to Rig an Australian Saddle
An Australian saddle combines some of the elements of a Western saddle, including a saddle horn and substantial pommel, with elements of an English saddle, such as a rounded skirt and light weight. But as with any saddle, the Australian saddle is only comfortable for horse and rider if it is adjusted properly. Taking the time to rig the Australian saddle properly will help you and your equine companion enjoy a long and leisurely ride.