How to Saddle a Horse: Riding Into the Sunset with Knowledge and Grace

How To Saddle A Horse

Before you begin, gather all necessary equipment:

Gathering Equipment

Saddle pad or blanket
Saddle (Western or English)
Cinch or girth
Breast collar (if needed)
Brushes for grooming
Approaching the Horse
Approach your horse calmly from the left side.
Speak softly to the horse and let them see and smell you.
Tie the horse securely using a quick-release knot.

Grooming

Before saddling, always groom your horse:

Use a curry comb to loosen dirt and debris.
Follow with a stiff brush to remove the loosened dirt.
Finish with a soft brush for a final polish.
Pay special attention to the saddle area to prevent any dirt from causing discomfort under the saddle.

Placing the Saddle Pad

The saddle pad or blanket is crucial for the horse's comfort and the saddle's stability.

Let the horse smell the pad. As Steph the Midwest Cowgirl advises, "You always want to let them smell it so they know it's coming."

Place the pad on the horse's back, ensuring it's even with their spine. The front edge should be at the middle of the shoulder blade.
For Western saddles, the pad should extend about an inch beyond the saddle on all sides.
For English saddles, the pad should be slightly smaller than the saddle.
Adjust the pad to avoid pressure on the withers. Steph explains, "You don't want it resting because sometimes it can pull at their withers and apply unnecessary pressure."
Smooth out any wrinkles in the pad. These can cause uncomfortable pressure points.

Positioning the Horse Saddle

Western Saddle

Stand on the horse's left side, facing the rear.
Lift the saddle and place it gently on the horse's back, clearing the spine. As one expert notes, "You can kind of get a little swing with it and gently set it on their back."
Let the saddle down slowly, making sure it's centered on the pad.
The front of the saddle (pommel) should be about two fingers behind the horse's shoulder blade.
Lift the front of the saddle slightly to allow the pad to conform to the horse's withers.
Throw the stirrup and cinch over the seat to keep them out of the way. Dale Brisby explains, "When I put my saddle in the tack room, I like to lay my front cinch and back cinch over the seat rather than in the keeper because in the keeper things tend to get twisted."

English Saddle

Stand on the horse's left side, facing forward.
Lift the saddle onto the horse's back, placing it slightly forward of its final position.
Slide the saddle back until it sits just behind the horse's shoulder blade.
The pommel should be about two fingers behind the back of the shoulder blade.
Ensure the saddle is centered on the horse's back.
Securing the Saddle

Western Saddle

Front Cinch:

Reach under the horse to grab the cinch. Be careful not to put your head under the horse's belly.
Thread the latigo through the cinch rings. Dale Brisby demonstrates: "The way I've got my latigo in this keeper, it's ready to run out of there."
Start tightening gradually. As Steph warns, "You never ever ever want to do it really tight right away."
Use your preferred method to secure the latigo. Dale Brisby shows a unique method: "This is the super puncher part... I like to come from the bottom, then now that's super puncher status."

Back Cinch (if applicable):

Adjust loosely at first. Dale Brisby explains, "We're not out in the pasture yet, I'm just going to get it relatively snug."
Ensure it's connected to the front cinch with a strap to prevent it from sliding back.

Flank Cinch (for some Western saddles):

Attach loosely, if used. This helps keep the back of the saddle down during certain activities like roping.

English Saddle

Attach the girth to the billets on the left side of the saddle.
Walk around to the right side and attach the girth to the billets on that side.
Gradually tighten the girth on both sides, alternating sides to ensure even pressure.
The girth should be snug but not overly tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the girth and the horse's belly.

Additional Equipment

Breast Collar

If using a breast collar:

Attach it after securing the saddle.
Adjust it so it lies across the center of the horse's chest.
Ensure it's not too tight - you should be able to fit your hand between the collar and the horse's chest.

Stirrups

For Western saddles, let down the stirrups from the horn.
For English saddles, take down the stirrup irons and unfasten the leathers.
Adjust stirrup length as needed for the rider.

Final Checks and Adjustments

Step back and visually check that the saddle is sitting straight and in the correct position.
Run your hand under the saddle pad to ensure there are no wrinkles.
Gradually tighten the cinch or girth. As one expert advises, "Before you get on, you always always want to check your girth at least one to two more times."
For Western saddles, tighten the back cinch if used. It should be snug but not tight.
Walk the horse around before mounting. This allows the horse to settle into the saddle and lets you check for any shifting.
After walking, check and retighten the cinch or girth if necessary.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Saddling

Before we dive into the specifics, it's crucial to understand why proper saddling is so important. A well-fitted saddle:

Ensures the comfort of both horse and rider
Prevents injury and soreness
Allows for better communication between horse and rider
Improves overall performance and enjoyment of the ride

As Dale Brisby, a self-proclaimed "super puncher," puts it, "If you're gonna be a cowboy, if you're gonna be a super puncher, you gotta know how to saddle your horse like one."

Safety Considerations

Always approach and saddle from the horse's left side. As Dale Brisby humorously explains, "Back when you were a knight and you had a sword kept that baby on your left leg... you don't want to swing up on the right side of a horse with a sword on your left leg, do you?"
Be aware of the horse's behavior during saddling. Watch for signs of discomfort or agitation.
Never duck under the horse. As Steph warns, "You never want to put your head under the horse's stomach because if there's a fly and they go to get it, they could get you in the head."
Avoid common mistakes like overtightening the cinch immediately or neglecting to secure loose straps.
Always do a final check before mounting. As one expert puts it, "Safety first, I'm gonna just go under him again."

Unsaddling Process

Loosen and remove the cinch or girth.
Remove any additional equipment like breast collars.
Carefully lift the saddle off the horse's back. For Western saddles, you may need to remove the back cinch first if used.
Remove the saddle pad.
Groom your horse, paying special attention to the saddle area to remove any sweat or dirt.
Store equipment properly. Clean and condition leather items as needed.

Conclusion

Properly saddling a horse is crucial for both rider and horse comfort and safety. With practice, this process will become second nature. Remember, every horse is different, so be patient and attentive to your horse's needs and reactions during the saddling process.

As Dale Brisby concludes, "If you follow my tips and tricks here in the tack room, in the bronc pen... you're on your way to being a cowboy. Maybe one day a super puncher."

Whether you're aiming to be a "super puncher" or just enjoying a leisurely trail ride, mastering the art of saddling will enhance your equestrian experience and deepen your bond with your horse. Happy riding!Last edited just now

Richard Sutherland

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Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.

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How to Saddle a Horse: Riding Into the Sunset with Knowledge and Grace

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