How to Put an English Saddle on a Horse

When riding a horse, a saddle may be required. There are many types of riding saddles, but English saddles are best for jumping and allowing the rider to have a balanced seat. Putting an English saddle on a horse is a moderately easy task, but requires attentiveness and preparation. It is very important that the saddle be put on the horse correctly. Ill-fitted saddles, or those not in the correct position, may cause serious injury or soreness to the horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Saddle pad
  • Girth
  • Grooming tools
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin by grooming the horse. Pay close attention to where the saddle will rest, on the back and withers. The withers is the highest point of the horse's back, below the neck and above the shoulder. Be sure the hair is lying flat. Make sure there is not dirt or mud left in this area or in the girth area.

    • 2

      Place the saddle pad on first. It should cover the withers and back. The hair should be lying flat under the pad, and there should not be any dirt or debris that could irritate the horse.

    • 3

      Put the saddle on top of the saddle pad. The saddle should rest comfortably on the hollow of the back, just below the withers. According to riding instructor Susan Harris, 2 to 3 inches of saddle pad should show in front of the saddle over the withers. Some saddle pads have straps that secure the billets. These can be fastened at this time. Billets are straps that hang under the saddle flap and allow girth to be buckled to the saddle. English saddles have three billets under each flap.

    • 4

      Go to the right side of the horse and buckle the girth to the billets. The girth is a removable piece of tack, or equipment, that fastens to both sides of the saddle to hold the saddle in place. It goes underneath the barrel of the horse. When attaching a girth, it is common to use the first and third billet, however rotating the billets used will create more even wear on the leather. Make sure the billet guard, sometimes called the buckle guard, is pulled down over the girth buckles protecting the saddle flap. While on the right side of the horse make sure all of the equipment is lying flat and smooth.

    • 5

      Return to the left side of the horse. Carefully reach under the belly and grab the girth. Fasten the girth to the billets on the left side as it was done on the right side. Make sure that the girth is not twisted and rests comfortably.