How to Make a Saddle Costume

Entering a costume class at a horse show is a great way to show your creative side and have fun with horses. Making a costume to fit over your saddle can be easy or complicated, depending on how much detail and work you put into the costume. Remember that when making a costume to fit over your saddle safety is very important. The costume needs to allow you to safely ride the horse.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your costume idea. Some ideas include a princess, the Headless Horseman, Zorro, or a knight. Consider using a duo costume idea, like a bride and groom, angel and devil, and Santa Claus and reindeer.

    • 2

      Collect the materials for your costume. If you need props for your costume, check consignment stores for inexpensive options. Fabric can be purchased at a local craft store, along with any other craft items you might need to complete the costume.

    • 3

      Fit the costume to the horse while it is wearing the saddle, being careful to slowly introduce the costume to him. Horses can be afraid of brightly colored costumes, so you must be patient if your horse doesn't immediately accept the costume. Start slowly, only putting one part of the costume on each day until your horse has accepted the costume.

    • 4

      Attach the costume to the saddle and cut slits in the costume for the stirrups. A slippery piece of material could easily slide off the saddle if it is not attached properly. This could scare the horse and create a dangerous situation. The costume must allow the stirrups to be used properly. Letting the stirrups hang underneath the costume creates a dangerous scenario as well, as the stirrups could bump your horse's belly, spooking it and causing it to bolt.

    • 5

      Ride the horse with its costume on prior to the costume show or going trick-or-treating. For the sake of safety, you want to be sure the horse will not become upset while wearing the costume, thus putting you in danger. Be sure to wear your own costume as well when doing the test run. Your horse might not recognize you if you are dressed as the Headless Horseman.