How to Put on a Western Saddle

When saddling a horse, it's essential to do it properly. If you don't have the saddle secured, it can result in serious injury for both the rider and the horse. If you're new to saddling your horse, you will find that it gets easier each time you do it. The time you spend grooming and saddling your horse can provide good bonding time with you and your horse. Take your time to ensure you are doing it correctly. In addition to possible injury, an improperly fitted saddle can lead to a horse resenting riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Western saddle
  • Saddle pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Groom your horse thoroughly. Brush the horse's neck, back and hindquarters. It's important for the area underneath the saddle to be free of debris and dirt, as these can chafe the horse's skin. If you have washed the horse, make sure he is fully dry prior to saddling.

    • 2

      Place the saddle pad on the horse's back. Place the pad a few inches closer to the horse's neck and then slide it back into its proper place, where you will put the saddle later. This helps to smooth the horse's hair in the proper direction. The saddle pad should be evenly centered, widthwise on the back. It's a good idea to check that the saddle pad is free of any debris, grass or burs prior to putting it on the horse.

    • 3

      Position the saddle's straps out of the way. Place the stirrups, cinches, latigo and breast collar over the saddle's seat, or secure them in another satisfactory manner. You want to ensure that the straps are secured so they do not fall on the horse when you put the saddle on his back. If they fall suddenly, the horse could be spooked.

    • 4

      Lift the saddle onto the horse's back. Make sure your feet are planted firmly on the ground. Hold the saddle with one hand on the fork, or front, and one hand on the cantle, or back, of the saddle. Be gentle as you lower it onto the horse's back. Avoid dropping it down. As a general rule, you should saddle a horse from his left side.

    • 5

      Adjust the saddle as necessary to position it over the saddle pad. Ensure there are no wrinkles or folds in the saddle pad.

    • 6

      Lower the cinches and put the latigo, or tie strap, through the front cinch ring. You can then pull on the tie strap to tighten the cinch.

    • 7

      Secure the front cinch around the horse's stomach. It should be snug but not tight. You don't want to inhibit circulation or cut into the horse's skin.

    • 8

      Attach the rear cinch. The rear cinch will be joined to the front cinch via the connector strap. The rear cinch should also be secure but not tight.

    • 9

      Stretch the horse's legs. Pick up one leg and stretch it forward. Repeat on the other leg. This will smooth the skin underneath the saddle. You may find that you need to tighten the cinches after stretching the horse's legs. It's also a good idea to walk the horse around a bit prior to mounting. Assess the saddle after walking the horse and adjust if necessary.