How to Saddle a Horse

Saddling a horse ensures a safe ride and comfort for both horse and rider, but only if you can do it correctly. Follow these guidelines to learn how to safely and correctly put a saddle on a horse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Prepare ahead. You put the saddle on the horse from its left side. Therefore, you should secure the right side stirrup over the horn, or at least in your hand, so that it doesn't fall suddenly onto the horse's right side, spooking the horse and putting you in harm's way. Most riders loop the stirrup through the horn or simply drape it over the left side.
2. Gently place the saddle on the horse's back, with the horn or raised front area at the withers.
3. Walk around the front of the horse to its right side and gently lower the stirrup down. While you are on the right side, make sure the cinch strap is not twisted and is down near the horses barrel so that you can grab it from the left side.
4. Cinch the cinch strap. Move back to the horse's left side, reach under its barrel and take the other side of the cinch strap. The cinch tightens just like a buckle and fits around the horse's middle much like a belt.

Tips & Warnings

• Walk the horse around a bit after placing the saddle. Then, tighten the cinch strap one more time around its barrel. This is because some horses artificially "puff up" their barrel area when anticipating the tightening of the cinch.
• The saddle belongs close to the animal's withers- not on the middle of its back.