In this section, we will go over the proper method to saddle a horse with a western saddle. At Flying G we always have staff available to assist, especially for the younger ones. We encourage even the youngest of our riders to participate as much as they can in the saddling process to learn this valuable lesson.
Make sure your horse is properly groomed and ready to be saddled. Check both the saddle pad and saddle to make sure they are clean and there is no dirt or burrs on the underside that may irritate the horse’s skin.
Standing on the left side of the horse, place the saddle pad a little further forward than needed and slide it back into place. Never pull it forward as this may rub the horse’s hair in the wrong direction. The front edge of the pad should line up with the center of the front leg. (Refer to the photo below)
Lay the cinch (the strap that goes around the horse and holds the saddle in place) across the seat of the saddle and hook the right stirrup onto the horn. This way there’s nothing to get in the way as you gently lift up the saddle and place it on the horse’s back. Be sure you are standing on the left side of the horse.
The front edge of the saddle should be 2 – 3 inches behind the front edge of the saddle pad.
Place your fingers under the gullet (The front of the saddle) of the saddle to make sure it is not resting on the horse’s withers. It could cause a nasty blister called a fistula if it rubs on their withers. I like to pull the saddle pad up into the gullet of the saddle to make sure there is airspace above the withers.
Take the time to walk to the right (off) side of the horse to gently pull down the stirrup and cinch. Check that nothing is twisted or displaced.
Before tying the latigo knot, check that the cinch is centered on the horse. Also check that it is not too long or too short.
