Correctly adjusting the saddle before riding is important. English saddles are quite simple to set up and easy to use. If you have one, you need to know how it works, for your comfort and that of your horse!
Steps
Step 1. Groom the horse
Dirt and hair under the saddle can irritate him and ruin the ride for both of you.
Step 2. Slide the brackets up, along the brackets
This is to avoid them getting in the way of the cleaning process.
Step 3. Detach the girth and set it aside
Alternatively, you can fold it over the saddle, leaving it attached on the right side.
Step 4. Make sure the saddle pad is centered properly with the edges of the saddle
In the case of a shaped saddle pad, more or less 2 cm and a half of padding must advance along the entire perimeter of the saddle. In the case of a square saddle pad, on the other hand, make sure to leave at least 2 cm and a half along the front side. The saddle should not be too far forward as to make it difficult for the shoulders to move.
Step 5. Position yourself on the horse's left side, place the saddle and saddle pad on its back, with the saddle aligned with the withers
Step 6. Slide the saddle back (following the direction of the fur) until you reach the correct position
The saddle tree must be exactly above the withers. The saddle will settle behind the horse's shoulder blades.
Step 7. Attach the girth to the girth straps on the right side, then bring it to the left
As a guideline, the girth should run under the horse just behind its front legs. If you notice a gap between the elbow and the girth, the saddle is positioned too far back.
Step 8. Secure the girth firmly
You need to be able to just pass your hand between crotch and girth.
Step 9. Slide the brackets back along the brackets before mounting
Step 10. Mount on the back and check the girth again to see if it needs to be tightened further
Done!
Advice
- Always make sure your equipment is in good condition! Check regularly that it is not worn, that there are no rusty buckles or weak spots in the leather!
- When the girth is tight, it should be immediately behind the horse's front legs. If not, you need to move the saddle a little further.
- An English saddle has 3 (sometimes 4) straps to which the girth hooks. Always use the first and third straps: the second is for emergency use if one of the other two should break.
- Sometimes there is a fourth strap on extra-wide saddles, wider than common saddles, for stockier horses (so-called "cobs"). This fourth strap can be used alone or in conjunction with the third as a means of preventing the saddle from leaning forward.
- Place the saddle pad on the horse's back before putting the saddle on.
- A properly secured saddle should leave between 6 and 8 cm of space between the horse's saddle and the withers. The paddle will be slightly higher than the tree and the lower part of the seat should be on the same level.
Warnings
- Some horses don't like to have tight girths - they will hold their breath when you squeeze, then release it when finished. The best way to overcome this problem is to tighten the girth, lead the horse by hand for a few steps and then tighten it again.
- Some horses try to bite when the girth is tightened. Be careful when going to fix it, especially if you don't know the horse well.
