How to Assemble an English Saddle

Horseback riders need to learn how to correctly place and fasten saddle pads and saddles on the horse̵7;s back regardless of the riding discipline. Called ̶0;tacking up̶1;, this part of equestrian sport is essential for the comfort and safety of both the rider and the horse. Because the typical English saddle fits closely to the horse and allows the rider̵7;s legs contact with its sides, pads and saddles must be assembled in a particular order and fashion to meet the standards necessary for safe and fun riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Flat, hard grooming brush
  • English saddle pad
  • English saddle
  • Girth
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Instructions

  1. Tacking Up

    • 1

      Brush the back, sides, and belly of your horse to remove any dirt and flatten the hairs.

    • 2

      Stand on your horse̵7;s left side and place the saddle pad on his back with the front edge of the pad resting in the middle of his withers and the pad̵7;s seam falling in a straight line along his spine. Make sure the saddle pad̵7;s billet and girth keepers are showing so that you can use them later to keep the pad in place.

    • 3

      Pick up your saddle with the pommel (front) in your left hand and the cantle (back) in your right hand. Gently place the saddle on your horse̵7;s back, making sure that the deepest part of the seat is resting on the deepest part of his back.

    • 4

      Pull the front of the saddle pad up into the pommel of the saddle and the back of the pad into the gullet arch under the cantle. Fasten the billet keeper on this side of the pad to the top of the first billet of the saddle, flattening the pad underneath the saddle as you do so. (The billets are the three long, holed straps under the saddle flap that hold the girth.)

    • 5

      Walk around to the right side of your horse and fasten the billet keeper to the top of the first billet on that side of the saddle, again making sure the pad is smooth.

    • 6

      Push your girth through the girth keeper on the bottom of your saddle pad and buckle it to the first hole in both the first and third billet while standing on the right side of your horse.

    • 7

      Walk back to your horse̵7;s left side and grab the girth from underneath his belly. Push it through the girth keeper on this side of the pad and attach it to the second hole in the first and third billets, smoothing the pad as you do so. Gradually tighten the girth on your horse by alternating sides, buckling evenly on each turn.