How to Make a Trick Riding Saddle

Trick riding is the art of performing stunts on a moving horse, often seen performed by display teams at events. The art developed from the evasive maneuvers of Russian Cossacks, who would hang off the side of their ponies to avoid being hit in battle. Modern riders perform such stunts as the "Death Drag" (hanging upside down from one side of the horse) and "Roman Riding," which involves a team of two horses moving in tandem whilst the rider keeps one foot on each. Trick riding saddles are low and fitted to the horse, and have additional hand holds and straps to provide stability to the performer.

Things You'll Need

  • Conventional saddle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your conventional saddle. To be converted to a trick riding saddle, the existing saddle must have a low, flat cantle or back. A high-backed saddle risks catching the rider's leg during stunts. The saddle must be sound and strong and have good quality stitching. Examine the saddle and note any weak points such as fraying straps or loose D rings.

    • 2

      Visit a saddler. A trick riding saddle has a crupper attachment built into the back to provide a strong double hand hold. Adding this attachment should only be undertaken by a qualified saddler, as the stitching must be completely secure. The saddler will make the attachment from rawhide and insert it between the upper and lower skirts at the back of the saddle, riveting it onto the tree or frame of the saddle for security.

    • 3

      Find a metal fabricator. Trick riding saddles have slender, smooth metal horns as opposed to the bulky curved horns of a conventional saddle. This is so the horn provides a strong gripping point but is less likely to get caught on clothing. Have a metal worker make a steel horn with a tapered point ending in a round knob. The old saddle horn should be cut out and the new one riveted into position. Getting access to the horn will involve opening the skirts of the saddle which should then be repaired by the saddler.

    • 4

      Consider the types of trick riding you want to do. Different stunts will require different anchor points on the saddle. For example, for Roman riding it is useful to have a handle or D ring at the front of the saddle, through which a strap can be passed for balance as the rider stands up. If you are not yet sure how you will use your saddle, have a saddler attach extra D rings at the front and sides of the saddle.