Instructions
Place a saddle pad on the horse's back so that the front rests in front of the withers.
Position the saddle on top of the pad so that there is an equal amount of material showing all around the saddle.
Pull the saddle pad up into the gullet of the saddle to prevent the pad stretching over the withers and causing pressure.
Slide the pad and the saddle back a few inches so that the front sits over the middle of the withers. This ensures the horse's coat is kept smooth and thus prevents any discomfort. Check that the saddle pad is still high into the gullet and that there is clearance down the horse's spine.
Go to the right side of the horse and lower the girth to the floor, taking care not to bang it on to the horse's legs.
Walk around the horse's head to the horse's left side and reach underneath its belly for the girth. Lift the saddle flap with your other hand and reach for the girth straps attached to the saddle.
Feed the girth strap into the buckles of the girth and gently fasten on the first hole. If there are three straps use either the first and second strap, or the first and third. The girth straps are generally attached to the saddle by pieces of webbing material, and the second and third straps are fastened to the same piece of webbing. For safety, if either of the pieces of webbing break, the girth will still be attached to the remaining piece.
Tighten the girth gradually by pushing the buckle up the girth straps into the next hole. Check that the girth is fastened equally on both sides and that the buckles are in even holes.
Before mounting, ensure your girth is fully tightened to stop the saddle slipping. Endurance girth straps tend to be longer than English saddles to prevent the buckles being felt beneath the thigh. This makes it harder to tighten them once on board. Check there is no skin caught beneath the girth and that it is smooth all over.
How to Buckle an Endurance Saddle
An endurance saddle is designed to maximize comfort for horse and rider over long distances. Although different manufacturers favor varying designs, common features include a lightweight saddle with a deep seat, and wide panels that distribute the weight of the rider evenly. Some models are based on a Western saddle, but riders who compete at a high level tend to choose an endurance saddle based on the English saddle, with wider panels and stirrups. Regardless of individual design, the saddle should be buckled correctly to the girth, or cinch, to prevent slipping and potential accidents.