Introduction: Insructions on How to Saddle a Horse
Out of everything relatable to agriculture, saddling a horse is one of the many different ways of doing things however, it is important to know the correct steps of properly saddling a horse. Saddling a horse isn’t the most difficult thing to do, and will eventually become easier after the first few times.
Step 1: Groom the Horse
The currycomb will be used to groom the horse, which is very important to do because horses can become very irritated and sore when ridden without being groomed. Check the horse for any sores or wounds that could irritant it while saddled. It is important not to saddle a horse that has any of these signs.
Step 2: Place the Sddle Blanket on the Horses Back
Next place the saddle blanket directly on the horses back, making sure it is not backwards or lopsided. It is important that the blanket isn’t too far back, try to keep the saddle blanket closer to the withers of the horse.
Step 3: Place the Saddle on the Horse
When putting the saddle on be sure to be on the left side of the horse. Make sure everything on the right side of the saddle is flopped over the seat, to make it easier to lay it on the horse, and to keep things from becoming stuck underneath the saddle. When the saddle is placed on top of the horses back make sure that it is equal on both sides and not lopsided. Feel free to walk around the horse and adjust the saddle until it looks right.
Step 4: Cinching the Saddle
Before cinching the saddle, make sure the cinch, back cinch, and breast collar are adjusted properly to the horse, they should all be equal on both sides of the horse.
The next step will be cinching the saddle to prevent the saddle from slipping off of the horse. Reach under the horse bringing the front cinch across the belly, making sure it is not twisted. Next take the latigo strap and run it through the cinch buckle, depending on how long the latigo is wrap it two to three times around the D-ring outside-in.
once the cinch is tight place the hook on the end of the cinch through the closest hole in the latigo. Next pull on the last loop on the latigo securing the cinch from becoming undone.
Step 5: Connect the Back Cinch
In addition, reach under the horse bringing the back cinch across the belly. It is important not to have the back cinch too tight or too lose. Once your back cinch is adjusted to the horse’s width fasten the end of the cinch to the buckle, this process is similar to the front cinch.
Step 6: Connect the Breast Collar
Last attach the breast collar if desired. Do this by latching it to the saddle’s cinch and front D-rings, making sure the breast collar is even on both sides. With the saddle in place, the horse is now ready to ride.