How Do You Assemble An English Saddle?
Horseback riders need to learn how to correctly place and fasten saddle pads and saddles on the horse’s back regardless of the riding discipline. Called “tacking up”, this part of equestrian sport is essential for the comfort and safety of both the rider and the horse. Because the typical English saddle fits closely to the horse and allows the rider’s legs contact with its sides, pads and saddles must be assembled in a particular order and fashion to meet the standards necessary for safe and fun riding. Brush the back, sides, and belly of your horse to remove any dirt and flatten the hairs. Stand on your horse’s left side and place the saddle pad on his back with the front edge of the pad resting in the middle of his withers and the pad’s seam falling in a straight line along his spine. Make sure the saddle pad’s billet and girth keepers are showing so that you can use them later to keep the pad in place. Pick up your saddle with the pommel (front) in your left hand and the cantle (bac
