How To Put a Western Saddle on A Horse—A Step-By-Step Guide

It takes practice to tack up a horse, especially when putting the saddle on. Learn the procedure, and the first few times you try it, ask a horse expert (such as your riding trainer or instructor) for assistance.  It’s crucial to ensure the saddle is correctly fastened because you don’t want it to come off while riding. For the horse’s safety and comfort, the saddle must be placed and attached correctly; if done incorrectly, the saddle may injure the horse, which may cause it to rear or buck.

Western saddles and fashion originated in the 1800s with the cattlemen of America. Western saddles have deep seats to offer protection and comfort during long ranch work days.

Step for Putting a Saddle on A Horse 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put a saddle on a horse western:

Set Up the Saddle

Always ensure the girth strap is fastened to the saddle’s right side to prepare it.  Then, flip the right stirrup and girth strap over to make room for the saddle. This will make mounting the horse with the saddle more straightforward.

Put The Saddle on The Horse

As you approach the horse from the left side, pick up the saddle and raise the straps on the right side.  The saddle should now be positioned on the animal’s back with the horn directly over the withers. Once the harness is mounted, you can make additional adjustments. It should be noted that most riders saddle, mount, and dismount from the left side. That’s precisely how things are right now.

Release the Straps

Allow the right side stirrup and girth strap to secure once the saddle is in place. After that, you can grip the girth strap and get ready to fasten the harness.

Pull the Tie Strap

The tie strap, a substantial black strap, is threaded through the girth strap’s ring. The belt should pass through the girth strap’s back ring. Pull the strap up, then from the front down, loop it through the dee-ring (the strap should now be up against the horse).

The tie strap should be re-wound through the girth ring from front to back.

Fasten the Strap Securely

Once the saddle fits, you must secure the strap to prevent it from slipping. Loop the strap around the dee-string like a tie to secure it. The tie strap’s tail should exit through the left side and pass through the front of the dee-ring. The tie strap should then be moved to the right and inserted through the back. Do not tighten it yet.

Put the tie strap’s end through the loop you created, going from left to right. Once it is lowered, tighten the “knot” around it.

Tighten the Cinch

Pull the latigo upward and tighten the cinch knot to make your cinch more secure. Check your picnic twice before mounting because your saddle will inevitably go looser as it rests on the horse’s back.