How to Saddle a Horse Correctly

1.    Grasp the equestrian saddle so it is easy to swing it right up onto your horse. For the smaller rider it may be easier to position the cinches and stirrup on the saddle’s seat so they are out of your way. Make sure to lay the saddle so the swells are placed right on the horse’s withers. If it is too far forward or back then the horse will get sore and it may get agitated enough to buck so be careful.

2.    The front cinch is always the first to begin with. This is so that if for any reason the horse spooks the saddle should stay on, or it will come off completely rather than just dragging. Once this is done cinch the back or the breast collar (note that when you unsaddle the front cinch comes off last).

3.    At first do not fasten the cinches entirely. Tighten it up after the horse has taken a few steps. You may also need to tighten up the cinch again after several minutes as the horse will have taken in some air and expanded his belly!