How to Customize Horse Saddles

No matter what style of riding you do or what kind of horse you own, your saddle is the most critical piece of equipment you own. Your saddle will directly impact the way your horse performs, and that saddle will play an important role in your comfort as well. Your saddle also makes a statement, and helps you stand out in the show ring. Buying a custom made saddle can give you those benefits, but it is often less expensive to buy a stock saddle and customize it to your needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Silver kit
  • Saddle bags
  • Girth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the accessories that are most important for your needs. If you plan to show your horse in western classes for example, a silver kit can help you stand out. Saddle owners can purchase a silver kit for a fraction of the cost of buying a ready made silver saddle.

    • 2
      Replacing the girth is a great upgrade.

      Consider replacing the girth that came with your saddle. Many inexpensive saddles come with substandard girths, so replacing that girth with a better quality one can improve your horse's comfort. Look for a neoprene girth--these girths are easy to clean and stay in place better than leather or rope girths.

    • 3

      Add saddlebags to your saddle if you plan to do any trail riding. Even if you do not think you need saddlebags, chances are they will come in handy when you are out on the trail. Attaching saddle bags to a western or English saddle is easy--just connect the loop on the saddle bag to the connectors on the side of the saddle.

    • 4

      Attach a grab strap to the front of your saddle, particularly if you are working with a young horse or a horse that is prone to bucking. The grab strap will help you stay on during those "challenging" moments. Or, if your horse suddenly decides that the plastic tarp covering the hay bales is actually a "monster," or if he decides to head to the barn a little too quickly, you will be glad you have that grab strap in place. No matter how good a rider you are, the unexpected does happen, and it is important to be ready for those moments.

      The grab strap attaches to the front of the saddle, using either the front connectors on either an English or a western saddle. Many western riders find that adding a grab strap provides even more security than the saddle horn.