Saddle Your Horse Properly

How snug should your horse saddle cinch be?

Horses cinched up too tightly get upset and eventually dislike being saddled. So if you do tighten it too much, chances are your horse will either reach around and bite you, move away or kick you. A snug cinch is the key. Just remember to position the saddle properly and you shouldn't have cinch problems.

The saddle should rest solidly and level on your horse's back. There are so many variations in horse’s and their backs, withers and rump and in the saddles themselves. This can become a challenge at times. Assuming that you can level the saddle on your horse's back, it should now be placed in the rider's center of balance, just behind the horse's natural balance point at a standstill. As the horse moves, engaging his hindquarters, his natural balance point moves back and under the rider as the horse rounds his back upward. You, your horse, and saddle need to be in balance.

Equine Tack up Tips:

Put your saddle pad or blanket over the withers and well forward. Now place the saddle over the withers and forward. Slide the saddle and pad backward until they settle into position, just behind the withers and level on the back.

The horn of the saddle will be somewhat over the tail end of the withers. The saddle will be level and the back of the saddle won't be pressing into your horses’ loin area.

If the saddle is too far forward, well over the withers, the movement of the horse's shoulders is restricted. Stride and lateral action are adversely affected. Properly positioned, the saddle will not need to be tightly cinched, because it will stay in position naturally with only a snug cinching and your horse will be much happier.

Once your saddle is on, check the saddle pad or saddle blanket. Lift it up into the saddle horn open space so that at least two fingers can slide easily between the withers and the saddle. This will allow some breathing space for the withers and your horse will appreciate it not rubbing him.

You can spot problems from the ground if you just stand back and observe your saddled horse. Have another rider give your horse a second check before riding. If you are not sure on the saddling process that’s best for your horse, find an experienced equine rider that can help you.

You are all tacked up properly and ready for an enjoyable ride.

We welcome your comments, personal experiences, or helpful suggestions for all of our readers.

Thanks for reading.

Have a great day with your horse.

Amazon.com Widgets

Longeing Your Horse Share Longeing Horses Be sure to longe your horse with...
Bomb Proofing Your Horse with a Rope Share Bomb-proofing Your Horse – Part Three You've mastered sacking...
How to Safely Mount or Dismount Your Horse Share Rules for Mounting or Dismounting Your Horse Mount your...
A Balanced Seat for All Horse Riders Share Horse Riders Learn the Basic Seat It should be...
How to Stop Buying Lame Horses Share Ask your Equine Veterinarian for a Purchase Exam If...