Have you ever wanted to be a cowboy or old westerner? Many people have gotten this feeling. What comes with being a cowboy or westerner is a horse. When wanting to ride a horse you need a saddle to help you stay on properly. Here are some easy steps so you can be learn to put on a saddle.

Step 1: Putting on the Saddle

First start the process make sure all the necessary equipment for the process is there. Equipment may vary for different events. Make sure to have a saddle blanket. A saddle blanket it used to make the horse more comfortable and safe when riding. Saddle blankets vary in color and thickness. Purchase a saddle blanket at any tack store or online. Also, make sure the saddle has all of the following parts. Most parts will come with the saddle; however, a few parts may not come with. A Billet is a longer strap in the front of the saddle. It has holes going down it. The Billet Strap is in the back of the saddle. They look similar and serve the same purpose, but in different areas. A cinch plays a big role. Have a front and back cinch. Without a cinch, the saddle can’t stay on the horse. Front cinches are usually black or white. Back cinches are leather. Both cinches sizes depend on the size of your horse. Cinches do not come with the saddle because they vary in size. Purchase this at any tack store or online.

Step 2:

Now that all the necessary parts are there; the process of saddling a horse can begin. If standing behind the horse go to the right side of the animal. Start off with putting the saddle blanket on. The saddle blanket will go a couple inches back from where the neck starts. Make sure the blanket is even; therefore, half on one side of the horse and a half on the other. When putting the saddle on, start on the right side of the horse. Gently flip the saddle overtop of the saddle blanket. It should be even along with a couple inches back from where the saddle blanket starts. While still on the right side of the horse look at the Billet. Take your front cinch and hook it up, like a belt, to the front Billet through the holes. Do the same with the back cinch. After the process is finished with go to the left side of the horse.

Step 3:

While still on the right side of the horse look at the Billet. Take your front cinch and hook it up, like a belt, to the front Billet through the holes. Do the same with the back cinch. After the process is finished with go to the left side of the horse.
Look underneath the horse and grab the front cinch. On the left side of the saddle, there is a long strap called a Latigo. They are usually leather and also have holes. Take your Latigo and make it go through the metal ring of your front cinch. When finished make the Latigo go through the Front Rigging Dee. This is a metal ring connected to your saddle. Repeat the process one or two more times and pull to fasten the saddle to the horse. Be conscious and aware not to hurt the animal, but tight enough so the saddle won't slide when trying to get on. After this is done look underneath the horse and grab the back cinch. Make it snug against the horse while pulling it through, like a belt, into the back Billet. Be able to put two fingers, snug, between the back cinch and the horse’s stomach. The only thing to do now is to walk the horse around to have them release built-up air. Then tug on the Latigo to tighten the front cinch one last time to make sure it is fastened. Once finished with this process the horse is saddled done.