Getting Started with Saddling
Alright, let’s talk about saddling up. It’s something I do pretty often, feels like second nature now, but I remember figuring it out step-by-step. Here’s how I usually go about it.
First thing’s first, I always get the horse ready. You can’t just throw a saddle on a dirty back. So, I grab my brushes and give ’em a good groom, especially where the saddle and cinch will sit. Gotta make sure there’s no dirt or anything that could rub and make sores. Check the hooves too, while I’m at it.
Next, I fetch the gear. Usually, that’s the saddle pad first, then the saddle itself. My go-to is a general purpose saddle; it’s pretty flexible and just works for the kind of riding I do most days. Nothing too specialized, just solid and reliable.
Putting on the Pad and Saddle
Okay, with the horse clean and the gear handy, I take the saddle pad. I usually place it a little bit forward on the horse’s withers, then I slide it back into position. Doing it this way helps make sure the horse’s hair is lying flat underneath, which is more comfortable for them.
Then comes the saddle. I lift it – gotta bend the knees, these things aren’t light! – and gently set it onto the middle of the pad, over the horse’s back. I try to set it down softly, not just plop it on. I make sure the pad is still centered and the saddle sits nicely, not pinching the withers.
Securing the Cinch (Girth)
Now, I walk around to the horse’s right side (the off-side). Just check everything looks okay over there, make sure the cinch or girth isn’t twisted up or caught on anything.
Back on the left side (the near-side), I reach under the horse’s belly for the cinch. I bring it up carefully towards the saddle’s rigging rings or billets. Here’s the process I follow:
- I fasten the cinch, usually starting with the front rigging first if there are two.
- I don’t pull it super tight right away. Just snug enough so the saddle won’t slip off easily. Horses sometimes puff out their belly when you first tighten it, so doing it in stages is better.
Final Tightening and Checks
Before I get on, I often lead the horse forward a few steps. This helps the saddle settle into place and lets the horse relax a bit.
Then, I do the final tightening of the cinch. It needs to be secure enough that the saddle won’t slip when I mount or ride, but definitely not so tight it hurts the horse or restricts breathing. I check I can fit maybe a couple of fingers between the cinch and the horse. I check the back cinch too, if the saddle has one, making sure it’s connected but not tight against the belly.
And that’s pretty much it! A quick double-check that everything looks right, straps are tidy, and the horse seems comfortable. Then we’re ready to go. Takes a bit of practice, but you get the hang of it. Every horse is a bit different too, so you learn what works best for each one. Simple as that, really.
