How to Attach Back D Rings on Saddles

Trail horse with saddle bags

For the avid equestrian, especially in the field of competitive trail riding or endurance, the saddles made for the sport often arrive ill-equipped for you, the rider. A lack of D-rings, the most common way of attaching and carrying extra gear or water is problematic for many. A D-ring is a D-shaped metal ring sold in hardware stores, mainly for the purpose of tying down or attaching any number of different things, with uses from anchoring boats to docks, strapping freight to flatbeds or tying in a rock climber to his mountain. Your biggest decisions when outfitting and customizing your saddle will be what size and what color D-rings you want.

Things You'll Need

• Saddle stand or sawhorse
• D-ring
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Pencil or chalk

Instructions

1. 

   Saw horses

   Place your saddle on a sturdy surface, preferably a saddle stand or saw horse--but anything that holds it still while you apply pressure works.

2. 

   Measuring tape

   Determine where on the back of your saddle you want to place the D-ring. For illustration, let's say you're placing your ring in the center. In order to center it, measure from a fixed point on each side, for instance, from the bottom edge of the saddle skirt on a Western model. Divide the measurement from one edge to the other in half, and this is the distance you need to place your ring in the center.

3. 

   Chalk

   Mark the center with a pencil, or a piece of chalk.

4. 

   Screws

   Steady your D-ring over your marking, being sure that the mounting apparatus lies flush with the surface, and gently start to set your first screw. Take care not to apply too much pressure, or force the screw into place, as the leather is likely to rip.

5. Set the second screw, if there is one. Screw the screws in together, in order to keep the mount flush with the saddle.

Tips & Warnings

• Match your D-rings to the rest of your saddle hardware.

• Use a screw with a sharp point, such as a self-tapping screw. These are designed to drill into softer materials like wood or plastic, and work well with leather.

• Tack stores often carry kits specifically for this use, whereas a hardware store will carry a more generic selection.

• Choose the length of screw based on the area of the saddle you are tapping. A shorter screw, about an inch and a half, is usually sufficient. Don't let the screw point protrude through the underside of the saddle, as this will injure your horse.

• Use your screws gently; leather rips easily, and too much pressure can strip out the hole. If this happens, a screw will never fit that spot tightly again.

References

• The Mane Street: Forums
• Horsetopia: Forum

Resources

• Your Dictionary: D-ring Definition