Things You'll Need:
- Saddle
- Saddle pad
- Girth
- Bridle
- Breast plate or martingale (optional)
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Step 1
After thoroughly grooming the horse, apply its saddle pad. The saddle pad should be high on the horse's withers or shoulder blades. you will see two attachments. The girth loop, located towards the bottom of the saddle pad should line up right behind the horse's elbow.
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Step 2
Next, apply the saddle. As you put it on the horse's back, be sure not to wrinkle the saddle pad. Make sure the saddle is sitting balanced on the horse's back and is not tilting. Keep the sturrups rolled up for a safety precaution as the horse could get hung up on a loose sturrup.
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Step 3
If you must apply a martingale, the loop on the bottum of the martingale will go through the girth. Put the girth loosely on the horse using the first and third billets only. By the time you mount the horse, the girth should be very snug, but tightening it too soon could upset the horse.
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Step 4
Lastly, put on the bridle. Put the reins over the horse's neck to keep control. If you are using a martingale, the small loop should go through the noseband. Hold the crownpiece in your right hand and guide the bit into the horses mouth with your left hand. Be sure the noseband is on the outside of the bit rings. Fasten the throatlatch, noseband, and if applicable, flash noseband
