Things You'll Need:
- brush/comb
- blanket
- saddle
- bridle
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Step 1
First the horse must be prepared for saddling. The comb and brush are used alternately on the horse to free him of dirt. This is important because dirt or mud in the horses hair will rub underneath the saddle and irritate the animal. The horse should be rubbed mainly on the back, but also on the neck and belly. Any part of the horse that will be touched by the saddle should be clean.
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Step 2
Now the blanket will be added to the horse. It is important that the blanket not touch the ground for the same reason the horse was brushed free of dirt. If the temperature outside is warm, one blanket is enough. However, in winter months and cold weather, two blankets are generally used for extra warmth. When placing the blanket onto the horse, make sure it is centered and up on the horses shoulder. Although it is important the blanket be on the horses shoulder, it should not be too high. Use judgement and adjust to the animal where the neck and shoulder meet for proper placing.
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Step 3
A saddle needs to be chosen according to your size in order for it to be safe and comfortable. To put the saddle on, merely throw it over the animals back. [Hint: it is usually easier to pull up the stirrup of the opposite side allowing it to fall as the saddle is placed on] Also, an adult-sized saddle can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds, so if this is something that you are not able to lift, ask for help. Position the saddle accordingly with the blanket. The breast strap is the first strap to be buckled. It is found on the front of the saddle and is pulled around the animals chest and should be centered. The second strap is the girth strap, which is positioned under the animals belly. This strap is mandatory and is always used no matter what kind of riding is being done. On certain saddles, you may find a strap connecting the breast strap and girth strap together. Finally, the last strap will be the back strap which is also strapped below the belly of the animal. This strap is not always used but is primarily used in faster riding to prevent the saddle from bouncing.
[Hint: The girth strap should be tight! Sometimes a horse will puff up their belly to prevent proper tightening. Keep pulling! To ensure that the saddle is tight (but not too tight) you should be able to run your hand between the horse and strap easily, but feel the tightness.] -
Step 4
Now that the horse is saddled, a bridle must be added. To choose the appropriate bridle for the horse, the rider must look at the head size of the animal and what type of bit must be used. Different bits are used at different stages in a horses training and greatly affect the reining and control the rider is given over the horse. Once chosen, the bit is placed in the animals mouth and the bridle is slipped over the ears. It must then be checked to make sure that it is the appropriate size and not to tight or loose on the animals mouth or face. If the size is appropriate, it may be buckled snuggly and the reins thrown over the neck towards the saddle.
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Step 5
Now the rider is almost ready. Now, the rider needs to step up into the stirrups according to their height. To determine the proper length, the rider must stand up in the stirrups. They should be at a length where the rider can stand up off of the saddle and have space between them and the saddle.
[Hint: This step can be done easier if the rider has someone nearby that is willing to adjust the stirrups while staying on the horse to prevent many up and down trips]
