SADDLE UP

In order for your equipment to work properly, it's good to check in and make sure you're putting it on correctly.

- HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO

Even if you've saddled your own horse for every ride, it's good to step back and make sure you're doing it correctly. Putting on a western saddle includes many connections, and you must saddle in a specific order for your own safety and to keep your horse from getting hurt.

1. Slide the pad back in the direction of hair growth to the base of the withers.

PAD PLACEMENT 

Once your horse is groomed and ready for saddling, tie him in a safe location or have a friend hold him while you tack up. The first step is to place the saddle pad.

Make sure to put the pad forward of where you want it to sit, then slide it back toward your horse's tail and into a balanced position so that it rests at the base of your horse's withers (1). If you put the saddle pad on in the middle of your horse's back and need to push it forward, you'll rub your horse's hair the wrong way, which can create sores.

2. Pull the pad up into the saddle gullet before cinching.

SADDLE PLACEMENT 

Lift your saddle up and onto your horse's back so that the bars of the saddle don't restrict his shoulders. When slid back into place, your saddle should sit evenly on your horse's back, creating a level seat. Pull the saddle pad up into the saddle's gullet to help reduce tension over your horse's withers (2).

Next, walk to the opposite side of your saddle to make sure that the front and back cinches aren't twisted or tangled. This is also a great time to make sure that if you have both cinches, they are attached securely with a hobble so that the back cinch doesn't move up to agitate your horse.