Putting on the saddle
Hold the saddle on your left arm with the pommel facing your elbow.
Make sure the horse’s back is clean.
Stand at the horse’s left shoulder.
With your right hand, lay the saddle pad on the horse’s withers, ensuring it is flat and that the straps are on top.
Slide the saddle pad into place by putting it slightly towards the back in the direction of the horse’s hair.
The saddle pad should be the right size for the saddle being used.
Grasp the saddle with your right hand on the cantle and your left hand on the pommel and place it on the saddle pad.
Attach the saddle pad’s straps to the billet straps on the saddle, making sure that the straps of the saddle pad flaps on both sides are flat.
Slide the saddle so that it does not press on the withers.
Adjust the saddle and saddle pad so that there is no friction or pressure on the withers
Walk around to the right side of the horse.
If the girth has elastic only on one end, fasten the end of the girth without the elastic to the billet straps on the right side of the saddle.
If the girth has three folds, the open end should face the rear of the horse to prevent pinching.
Return to the left shoulder of the horse and facing the rear, bend over and grasp the loose end of the girth with your left hand.
Pull the girth through the loop of the martingale or breastplate (if there is one).
The loop should be positioned at the center of the girth between the horse’s front legs. the girth should be brought up just behind the horse’s elbow.
Buckle the girth on the left side, tightening only slightly. It is important not to overtighten the girth at this point.
You will have to tighten it again before you mount.
The girth may require tightening at least once more during your ride. It is important to ensure that there are enough unused holes on the billet strap to allow this.
Make sure that the pommel does not press on the horse’s withers, that the saddle is correctly in place, and that there are no folds of skin under the girth.