How to Cinch Up an Australian Saddle

An Australian saddle is designed to combine the comfort and security of a traditional Western saddle with the light weight and ease of use of an English saddle. But to get the most out of your Australian saddle, you need to know how to fit it properly and cinch it securely.

Things You'll Need

  • Australian saddle
  • Cinch
  • Horse
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold your horse and make sure his head is at approximately the height it will be when you are riding. This will help you place the saddle properly behind his withers. Australian saddles are designed to provide greater freedom of movement in the shoulder, so it is important that the saddle fit behind the withers.

    • 2

      Stand away from your horse approximately 6 to 12 inches and look at the saddle to make sure it is level with your horse's back. Move back toward the horse and pull the girth toward you. Be careful when reaching underneath your horse to reach the girth.

    • 3

      Pull the ends of the girth through the connectors on the saddle. Pull the girth until it is just snug and pull the prongs through the holes on the girth. Make sure the saddle is snug but not tight.

    • 4

      Mount your horse and ride around for a few minutes. If your horse is the calm type, you can check the tightness of the girth while mounted and pull the girth tighter by moving the girth into a higher hole if necessary. If you cannot safely adjust the girth while mounted, dismount, adjust the girth and remount.