How to Saddle a Horse: A Guide to the Proper Method

One of the most important things that any horse owner needs to know how to do is saddle a horse. While, saddling a horse with a Western saddle is slightly different then saddling a horse with an English saddle, the basics of saddling with an English saddle could be understood by knowing how to place a Western saddle. The process of saddling a horse seems self-explanatory but completing the process correctly requires some specific knowledge.

First, the horse needs to be brushed thoroughly. This will help by removing any splinter or other small pieces of grass, rocks or other particles that might cause a sore on the horse. It will also help a rider check the horse for any cuts, sores or other small injuries. This will also help shed off a horse in the spring and less importantly make the horse look more attractive.

Secondly, in the summer months or at any time when there is the presence insects the horse should be sprayed with fly spray. The horse should be sprayed completely from head to toe. The horse should not be made wet by the spray it could make them damp but should be very lightly sprayed. Additionally, the higher the quality of the spray the less that will be needed to achieve the desired effect.

Next, the saddle pads can be placed on the horse. There are several combinations of saddle pads that might need to be used. If the pad itself is thick and soft on the underside then it can be used without a blanket being placed under it. If the pad is hard, rubbery or thin then a blanket should be placed under it. When choosing a blanket it is important that the blanket if hand-woven is inspected for sand burs. Simply looking closely at the blanket and running an individuals hand over the blanket. The burs will be very small and will pock the horse if they are in the blanket when placed on the horse. The blanket and/or pad should be placed on the horse so that they cover the horse's withers and are evenly placed so that the pad hangs over evenly on both sides.

Then, the saddle can be placed on the horse. It should be set on the horse from the left side and should be done with the chinches and breast collar placed over the saddle. The saddle should set on the horse's withers and should have between an inch and two inches of saddle pad in front of it when placed on the horse. The front cinch should be tightened and fastened first. It should be firmly placed against the horse but should not be overly tight. The d-ring in the center of the cinch should set directly between the horse's front legs. If not it should be adjusted on the right side of the horse so that it does fit in this way. Next, the back cinch should be fastened followed by the breast collar assuming that the saddle has each.

Additionally, the stirrups should be adjusted for the rider. The rider's legs should remain bent slightly when the rider is aboard the horse. Additionally, once the horse is bridled the bit should fall in the horse's mouth so that it does not cause a wrinkle at the sides of the horse's mouth. Boots are not required for the horse's legs if they are just going to be ridden without extensive speed or other effort. Yet, overreach boots or bell boots are in general always a good idea and should be placed so that the top Velcro pieces latch outward from the horse.