How to saddle a horse safely

Horses are magnificent animals and loyal companions who can successfully handle their share of the workload in various capacities. Learning how to properly saddle a horse is essential for anyone who hopes to ride regularly.

The techniques discussed here apply to western saddling, which is the primary way many people saddle their horses for riding. British riding requires different saddling and equipment.

One of the first steps is to make sure the horse is clean and comfortable. Remember to always approach the animal from an angle at which he can see you clearly, so there are no surprises.

All dirt, dust and loose hair should be removed from the horse through brushing, with particular attention paid to the areas where the saddle will sit and where the cinches and breast collar will cover.

It’s best to properly tie the horse with a halter and lead rope, which can be held by an assistant or ground-tied. This prevents the horse from moving around too much.

Brush off the underside of the saddle pad or blanket to ensure there are no sharp objects or irritants stuck in the fibers, which can make the horse uncomfortable. In such situations, the horse may try to shake to relieve the discomfort, tossing riders off in the process.

Move the front cinch, back cinch and breast collar of the saddle onto the seat of the saddle to keep them out of the way while you put the saddle in place on the horse. This ensures that the equipment doesn’t slide and spook the horse. Many riders mount and dismount their horses from the left side, so push the items to the right to keep them situated. Then adjust the girth cinches and stirrups accordingly.

After the saddle is in place, step back and look things over. Make sure everything is properly tightened before riding.

By saddling a horse safely and correctly, riders can prevent injuries resulting from restless horses or loose saddles. Novice riders should practice to get a feel for saddling.