Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Saddle a Horse Western Style

Western saddles originated in the western United States and Mexico. They were used by vaqueros and cowboys who spent many hours riding horses and working cattle. The saddles are designed to withstand a significant amount of wear and provide the rider with a comfortable ride even after several hours in the saddle. Modern western saddles are still used for working cattle as well as in an assortment of different riding events, including barrel racing, roping, reining, western pleasure, western horsemanship and cutting.

Things You'll Need

  • Grooming tools
  • Saddle pad
  • Saddle
  • Girth
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Groom your horse thoroughly to remove all dirt and debris from the areas where the saddle and girth will go. Trapped dirt that is rubbed against the skin can cause painful sores and hair loss to develop.

    • 2

      Place the saddle pad on the horse's back. The front of it should just barely cover the horse's wither.

    • 3

      Place the western saddle on the horse's back directly on top of the saddle pad. The front of the saddle should be approximately 2 inches behind the front of the saddle pad. Slide the saddle and pad back slightly so that they settle onto the horse's back and do not slide easily.

    • 4

      Reach under the horse and pull the girth underneath the horse's stomach. The girth should go behind the front legs without hindering the horse's range of motion.

    • 5

      Tie the cinch. Stretch the cinch down and loop it twice through the upper dee ring on the girth. At the top of the second loop, pull the cinch strap under the left side of the dee ring on the saddle, pull the strap back across the cinch strap to the right side of the dee ring and pull it back up through the underside of the dee ring, creating a loop over the main part of the cinch. Take the end of the cinch strap and pull it down through the center of the loop you have created, leaving the end pointing down toward the girth. Tighten the girth by pulling the cinch strap and knot right.