How to Put the Girth on a Australian Saddle

An Australian saddle can provide the safety and security of a Western saddle along with the comfort, light weight and ease of use of an English saddle. These saddles are designed with comfort in mind, and the cowboys and cowgirls of Australia have long used these specialized saddles to traverse the far stretches of the Outback. But before you can take advantage of all these benefits you will need to learn how to secure the saddle properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Saddle rack or stand
  • Girth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a secure saddle rack or saddle stand. Make sure the saddle stand is sitting on level ground.

    • 2

      Stand in front of the saddle with the front of the stand facing you. Move to the left side of the saddle and lift up the flap. Locate the pieces of leather that are hanging down. The girth will be attached to these leather straps.

    • 3

      Fit the straps through the buckles on the girth. Fit the holes on the leather straps through the buckles on the girth.

    • 4

      Flip the girth up over the top of the saddle and place the saddle on your horse. Carefully pull the girth down until it is hanging at your horse's side.

    • 5

      Reach under your horse and pull the girth toward you. Pull the flap of the saddle up and locate the leather straps. Pull those straps through the buckles on the end of the girth and pull it tight.

    • 6

      Mount your horse and ride for a few minutes, then check the tightness of the girth. If the girth needs to be tightened you can tighten it while mounted if your horse is the calm type--otherwise it is best to dismount first. To adjust the girth while mounted, kick your feet out of the stirrups and pull the left flap up, then carefully adjust the buckles until the girth is tight enough.