Posted on 30th Mar 2012 @ 2:55 PM

Are you fitting your Horse Saddles correctly? Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure you are fitting them correctly, so that your horse rides in comfort.

1)      First of all, simply check that your horse is safely tied.

2)      Remove any dirt or grit on your horses back and girth area by carefully brushing the hair – ensure that the hair lies flat on the horse back. Whilst conducting this grooming, check for any cuts or wounds on the horses back and saddle area. If you do find a cut around the saddle area, do not place a saddle over the injury.

3)      Prepare to place your blanket on the back of the horse. The fold of the blanket should lie at the front end of the horse when placing.

4)      Fit the saddle pad over the blanket, ensure that hooks and ties are facing away from the horse and are not pressed into the horse.

5)      Make sure the stirrups run up the leathers and that the girth is folded over the saddle seat.

6)      Lift the saddle comfortably over the horse without knocking into the horse, and place gently upon the horses back.

7)      On the offside of the horse, check that the pad or blanket is smooth with no wrinkles and ensure that the girth is properly buckled/tied.

8)      Move to the near side of the horse and pick up the free end of the girth from underneath the horse and tie loosely to the other side. Once tied, slowly tighten the girth until the saddle is firmly held in place. Do not tie to tightly, as this can prove uncomfortable for the horse. As a guide, you should be able to run your finger between the girth and the horse.

9)      Finally, check that are no wrinkles on your horse’s skin beneath the girth. To do this, stand in front of your horse and hold up one of its front legs and stretch it forward. Whilst doing this, check for wrinkles beneath the girth. Do this for each leg.

And that is it! You should now be able to successfully fit horse saddles!