Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Correct saddling of the horse with a western saddle is important for the safety of the rider and the comfort of the horse.

Steps

1. 1 Standing to the left of the horse, put a saddle cloth on his back in the area of ​​the withers (protrusion of the shoulders), while it should protrude slightly forward. Pull it back to the proper position so that the hairs on the horse's hide lie flat.
2. 2 Make sure the stirrups and girth are folded over the saddle before placing it on the horse.
3. 3 Continuing to stand to the left, raise the saddle and place it directly on the horse's back, checking the centering.
4. 4 Walk around the horse and lower the stirrup and girth.
5. 5 Standing again on the left side, hook the left stirrup on the horn, then reach towards the horse's belly and pull the girth towards you.
6. 6 Slide the left side strand through the girth end ring and the D-ring twice.
7. 7 Pull tight, then slide the strap around the back of the D-ring, then back again at the front and back out. The tip should be passed through the center of the D-ring, passed through the back loop (as if to be tied) and tightened tight.
8. 8 If the saddle has a back girth, secure it like a normal strap so that you can get your hand between the girth and the horse.

Tips

• If the horse is reluctant, strapping on a double leash in a stall can help, but make sure he can safely stand on a double leash.
• After tightening the girth, lead the horse forward a couple of steps and then tighten the girth again. Some horses tend to widen the ribcage when the girth is first fastened to loosen the girth on the saddle.
• Always brush your horse thoroughly before saddling to remove dirt and loose hair. Also, don't forget to brush your hooves.
• After putting the saddle on the horse, check that you have done everything correctly. Also, make sure that the saddle fits snugly enough to the horse before getting into the saddle.
• Make sure the saddle is tight and will not slip before sitting in the saddle.
• The most important thing before saddling is to check the withers. Make sure there is no dirt that will rub under the saddle and irritate the horse.

Warnings

• Place the saddle on the horse carefully, being careful not to drop it on his back.
• When getting into the saddle, do not flop into the saddle, as you may injure the horse's back. To relieve some of the strain on your back, you can use the saddle steps.
• There must be a tie strap between the front and back girth to prevent the back girth from slipping back and causing discomfort to the horse.
• Make sure the horse is securely tied before saddling.

What do you need

• Saddle western
• Horse
• Halter
• Occasion
• Sweatshirt / blanket
• Double leash (optional)