How to Use the Parts of a Saddle

No matter what type of horse you plan to ride, it is essential to have a properly fitted saddle, whether it is western or English style. The purpose of the saddle is to keep the rider secure while riding, and, in order to provide that safety, the saddle must fit both the rider and the horse. It is important for all new riders to take the time to identify the different parts of the saddle before they take their first ride. The more new riders know about the function of the saddle and its various parts, the more secure they will feel when they do step up into the saddle.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Saddle stand
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a sturdy stand. It will be easier to examine the various parts of the saddle if it is sitting on a stable surface.

    • 2

      Stand in front of the saddle and look at its construction. If you are looking at a western saddle, you will notice a saddle horn on the front. This saddle horn was traditionally used as a place to hang lassos, saddle bags and other gear. The saddle horn can also provide additional security, especially for new riders who can grasp the horn to regain their balance.

    • 3

      Look behind the saddle horn if you are looking at a western saddle. This is the swell of the saddle. On an English saddle, there is no horn so you will be looking directly at the swell. This part of the saddle helps to keep the rider centered and balanced.

    • 4

      Move to the left side of the saddle. Just behind the swell, on the bottom of the saddle, will be the cinch strap on a western saddle and the billet straps on an English saddle. Both the cinch strap and the billet straps are designed to connect to the girth, holding the saddle securely in place.

    • 5

      Look at the side of the saddle and locate the stirrups and stirrup leathers. On an English saddle, the stirrups are made of iron and the stirrup leathers are thin. On a western saddle, the stirrups are often made of wood or leather, and the stirrup leathers are larger.

    • 6

      Check out the saddle seat in the middle of the saddle. The purpose of the seat is to hold the rider securely in place, and it is important that the seat be neither too large nor too small. A seat that is too large is not able to provide the needed security, while a seat that is too small is not very comfortable.

    • 7

      Move to the back of the saddle. This is known as the cantle. The cantle is located at the back of the seat, and it is slightly higher than the seat itself. On a western saddle, you will also see the saddle skirt--two leather pieces that extend beneath and behind the seat.

    • 8

      Walk to the other side of the saddle. You can see the saddle seat, the stirrup leathers and the stirrups. You can also see the saddle girth. This is the piece that connects to the cinch straps or the billet straps on the other side to hold the saddle securely in place.