| When first learning to saddle a horse, you should know | | | | Now you are ready to put the actual saddle on the |
| that there is no difference between using a western | | | | horse. Before you place it on the horse, make sure |
| saddle or an English saddle. They require the same | | | | you have properly hooked the stirrups so they will not |
| knowledge and steps. | | | | smack the horse as you set the saddle down. Then lift |
| Before Saddling Your Horse | | | | the saddle high enough that you can set it down with |
| Before you place a saddle on your horse, you should | | | | out moving the blanket. Set it down easy; if you just |
| always groom the horse. Take the time to check and | | | | drop it on the horse you may spook it. When you |
| make sure there are no sores in the area the saddle | | | | place it, try to place it a little higher up the back and let |
| will be placed. Then brush your horse to make sure | | | | it "settle" in where it belongs. |
| that anything like grit or dirt is removed so you can | | | | Walk around to the other side and unattached the |
| prevent irritation or chaffing. When you are finished | | | | stirrup. Check to make sure that the blanket stayed in |
| brushing, the hair on the horse's back or girth should lie | | | | place, smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the hair |
| flat. | | | | remained flat. Double-checking is very important when |
| Saddling Your Horse | | | | you saddle a horse. |
| When you begin to saddle a horse, it is traditionally | | | | Now reach under the horse and get the girth or cinch. |
| done from the left side. Although, if it is necessary, you | | | | Bring it up and either tie the cinch or buckle the girth. |
| can also do it from the right side of the horse. Now | | | | When you do this, do it in increments. Start loosely and |
| you are ready to place the blanket on the horse. If you | | | | then slowly tighten. This gives the horse a chance to |
| are using a western saddle, first fold the blanket in half. | | | | relax. Tighter is not always better. When you have the |
| Then place the blanket over the horse with the fold | | | | correct tightness, you should be able to place your |
| towards the horse's head. Some blankets may have | | | | fingers in between the girth and the horse. If you had |
| rings on them so you can attach it to the saddle and | | | | rings on your blanket now is the time to hook them to |
| help keep it from moving around. If that is the case, | | | | the saddle. |
| make sure they are up and not against the horse. | | | | Final Tip |
| Now check to make sure that the blanket is folded | | | | Hopefully, these tips on how to saddle a horse have |
| evenly. A tip to help make sure that the hair on the | | | | been helpful. Just remember to always check the girth |
| horse's back stays flat is when you are placing the | | | | and make sure it is tight every time you mount the |
| blanket over the horse start at the withers and slide it | | | | horse. |
| down the back into place. | | | | |