The Steps You Need To Take Regarding How To Properly Saddle A Horse

When you want to know how to properly saddle a horse you should realize straight off that saddling a western saddle or an English saddle is one and the same thing, and the steps you need to follow for one type can be used on the other. So, to know how to properly saddle a horse you must start at the very beginning and ensure that before actually saddling your horse that it has already been groomed, and also look for any sores, especially whether there are any where you are going to place the saddle. Next, you need to properly brush your horse to leave him free of dirt, grit and other nuisances which will ensure that it does not get irritated or chaffed and a good sign before saddling the horse is to see that its hair on its back and girth is lying flat.

By Tradition, Place The Saddle From The Left Side Of The Horse

By tradition, you will learn that to know how to properly saddle a horse means placing the saddle on the horse from its left side, though occasionally if required, it can also be done from the right side as well. A blanket should be placed, and when a western saddle is being placed you will need to fold up the blanket and place it over the horse with fold pointing in the direction of the head of the horse.

After placing the blanket on the horse’s back you are now ready to place the saddle though you need to ensure that the stirrups are properly hooked which will prevent them from smacking the horse. So, to learn how to properly saddle a horse you may want to observe some experienced hands doing the job so that you have a better idea and a clearer picture about what it takes to saddle the horse properly.

You will notice that the saddle is lifted high and then placed on the horses back on the blanket which should not be disturbed in the process. The saddle should be gently placed on the blanket and not dropped on the back as that can spook your horse. Another tip you will learn about how to properly saddle a horse is that when you do place the saddle, it should be placed a bit higher up the back so that it can then settle into where it actually should be.

Another tip you should know about regarding how to properly saddle a horse is to unattach the stirrups and also see whether the blanket has remained in place or not, and smoothen the wrinkles if any in the blanket and see also that the hair are still flat. Next, you can reach under the horse and gather the girth/cinch and then bring it back before tying the cinch or buckling the girth and do so in small increments which will help the horse to relax and you can stop when you feel the tightness is just right and there should be place between horse and girth for your fingers to slip through. With this simple step, you will have properly saddled your horse and can safely ride it if you so wish.

So, as you can see that to learn how to properly saddle a horse is not difficult and all that it needs has to practice till it becomes second nature to you and hopefully for the horse as well.

English Horse Riding Gear For You And Your Horse

In Jean M. Auel’s bestselling The Valley of Horses, cave people went riding without any horse riding gear whatsoever. No saddles, no bridles, no boots and usually no clothing of any sort. Very interesting to read, but completely unrealistic. You want to ride and stay alive and comfortable, you need horse riding gear. Your horse will also be more comfortable and a lot less stressed when the both of you are in the proper horse riding gear. This article will focus on English style riding.

For You

With your choice of horse riding gear, you need to keep both safety and comfort in mind. At the very least, you need:

A hard hat. The worst head injury I received while riding was when my mount, Leonardo, flung his head up and struck his neck full force on my head. I’d be dead if it wasn’t for the hard hat.
Boots or footwear with a prominent heel, so your feet will not slip through the stirrups.
Jeans or jodhpurs (also called breeches). Loose pants like sweatpants are right out – they will get caught somewhere. Ideally, you need to wear pants that you have to wrestle to get into but can still bend over in.

For Your Horse

Ever ride bareback? Hurts like heck, doesn’t it? The rubbing of your buttocks can also leave sores on your horse’s back. A saddle and blanket not only evenly distribute your weight on the horse’s back, but it keeps you in place. Not only are you more safe, but your horse is safer form getting sore and grumpy.

Your horse also needs a bridle of some kind. Most horses have been trained to a bit. Those that don’t usually are in Western style riding. Always try the mildest bits you can before resorting to more complicated ones. You shouldn’t be hauling on your horse’s mouth anyway, unless you physically cannot use your legs.

Used Vs New

New horse riding gear is incredibly expensive. The pros are that they are usually made to fit and are tough. If you are not used to telling worn, dangerous used horse riding gear from any other kind of riding gear, stick with new until you learn. This is a major investment.

If you have the knowledge, then by all means go for used horse riding gear for you and your horse (unless your horse has a special need). You can save an incredible amount of money and feel good knowing you are recycling.