Saddling Up: A Comprehensive Guide

Saddling a horse is an integral part of the equestrian experience. This process involves not only the proper positioning and securing of the saddle, but also the preservation and maintenance of the saddle itself. Given the significant investment a saddle represents, its upkeep is crucial to ensure longevity and optimal performance.

Handling the Saddle

When handling the saddle, proper care is critical due to its heavyweight and potential susceptibility to damage.

Steps to handle the saddle safely:

1. Always manage the saddle with both hands, as it can be rather heavy and difficult to grasp.
2. Avoid dropping the saddle, as it may result in scraping or internal damage.
3. If you have to put down the saddle, ensure it is out of reach of horses as their curiosity could lead to unintentional damage.

Correct Positioning of the Saddle

When putting down the saddle, take into account the environment it will be resting in.

Instructions for safe saddle placement:

1. Position it against a wall or sturdy support, with the pommel (front) down, resting on the cantle (rear).
2. Be mindful of the surrounding area, ensure it’s not within reach of your horse to prevent any chewing, stepping, or other potential harm.

Important considerations:

• Avoid placing the saddle on unstable surfaces such as fences or stable doors where it can be knocked off.

Saddle Protection

Beyond careful handling and positioning, ensuring the protection of individual saddle components like the girth is crucial.

Girth Protection Measures:

1. To prevent scratches or other damages, tuck the girth under the cantle when not in use.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to maintain your saddle in an optimal state, preserving its value and usability for a long time to come.

Management of Stirrups When Not in Use

While a saddle is essential for a rider’s comfort and safety, the stirrups attached to it also play a critical role. When the saddle is not in use, it’s vital to keep the stirrups secure to prevent unnecessary movement and potential damage. The process of securing the stirrups is often referred to as ‘running up’ the stirrups.

Running Up the Stirrups

The process of running up the stirrups involves a technique that keeps the stirrups from flapping around and potentially getting worn by unnecessary friction. This method protrudes the stirrup leathers to maintain their quality and longevity.

Here’s how to execute it:

1. Push the stirrup iron (the part where the foot rests) up the back of the leather strap, all the way up to the bar that attaches the stirrup to the saddle.
2. Tuck the strap down through the stirrup iron. This ensures the stirrup iron and the strap don’t flap around when not in use.

Running Down the Stirrups

Bringing the stirrups back to their functional position is called ‘running down’ the stirrups.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Pull the strap attached to the stirrup iron hard. This will release the strap from the tucked position and bring down the iron to its original position.

The practice of running up and down the stirrups not only ensures their longevity but also maintains the sleek appearance of your saddle when not in use.

Saddle Placement: A Comprehensive How-to Guide

The experience of horse riding begins even before you mount the horse—it starts with correctly saddling up. Follow this guide to properly place and remove a saddle.

Placing the Saddle

Putting on a saddle requires careful attention to ensure comfort for both the horse and the rider.

Step-by-step guide to saddle placement:

1. Tether your horse: Even within a stable environment, ensure your horse is tied up before starting to tack up to prevent any unwanted wandering.
2. Lift the saddle: Hold the saddle with the girth placed over the seat. Your left hand should be on the pommel (front of the saddle), and your right hand under the panels.
3. Place the saddle on the horse: From the left (near) side, lift the saddle and numnah (saddle pad) clear of the horse’s neck and gently place it down on the withers (highest point on horse’s back). Slide it back until the pommel lies above the end of the withers. Be cautious not to push it too far back.
   Please note: If placed too far back, lift the saddle and start again. Do not push the saddle forwards, which may ruffle up the horse’s hair.
4. Adjust the numnah: Make sure the numnah is pulled well up into the gullet (groove down the middle of the saddle’s underside) all the way along.
5. Release the girth: Go around to the other side (off-side) to let down the girth (strap that keeps the saddle in place).
6. Fasten the girth: Return to the near side and reach under the horse’s belly for the girth. Check for any twists. Lift the flap and buckle guard, then fasten the girth to the front two girth straps on level holes.
7. Final adjustments: Check that the front girth strap has passed through the numnah loops and that the girth passed through the bottom loop, ensuring the numnah stays in place. Pull down the buckle guard to prevent the buckles from chafing your leg.

Removing the Saddle

When removing the saddle, it is crucial to follow steps that ensure the safety of the horse and maintenance of the saddle.

Step-by-step guide to saddle removal:

1. Loosen the girth: Start by undoing the girth on the near (left) side of the horse.
2. Lift the saddle: Carefully lift the saddle off of the horse’s back instead of dragging it, preventing discomfort for the horse and incidental damage to the saddle.
3. Handle the girth: As you lift the saddle, be ready to grab the girth as it comes over the back. Place it – with the muddy or sweaty side up – over the seat of the saddle.

By following these steps, you are ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable riding experience for both you and your horse.

Saddle Problems

Comprehending the potential issues a pony might face, particularly in relation to saddle-related discomfort, is integral to ensuring the animal’s well-being. An awareness of the signs of distress and abnormal behavior can help identify a poorly fitting saddle or a need for repair.

Possible Indicators of Saddle-related Issues

An incorrect or damaged saddle can result in considerable discomfort for the pony, with symptoms often surfacing in subtle ways. Consequently, it is essential to be observant and aware of any changes in the pony’s behavior, stance, or mood.

Common signs of saddle-related issues may include:

• Altered mobility: A sudden onset of lameness, uneven strides, stiff body movements, or short, ‘pottery’ strides might indicate discomfort.
• Changed posture: If your pony frequently holds its neck tense or high, be vigilant for potential saddle issues.
• Agitation: Look out for behaviors like tail swishing or teeth gnashing, which might imply annoyance or pain.
• Resisting tacking or riding: If your pony suddenly becomes awkward or resistant when being tacked up, mounted, or while working—particularly on circles—consider reviewing the saddle fit.
• Hesitant behavior: Behaviors such as refusing to jump, running out at jumps, or rushing might hint at saddle-related discomfort.
• Unusual hostility: Any signs of misbehavior, specifically when the back is touched, may suggest a saddle issue.

Other Indicative Behaviors

In addition to the common signs listed above, certain behaviors may provide further hints about saddle-related problems.

Pay attention to the following symptoms:

• Physical reactions: If the pony flinches or dips when you run your fingers along its withers and back, it may indicate a soreness potentially related to the saddle.
• Visible wear on hair: Noticeable wear on the pony’s hair where the saddle panels rest could convey either too much pressure or excessive movement of the saddle.
• Reluctance to rest: If a pony seems hesitant to lie down or roll, it could indicate discomfort possibly linked to the saddle.

While saddle problems or back injuries may not always be the root of your difficulties, considering them can be instrumental in promptly and correctly addressing the underlying issue. Therefore, any abrupt change in a pony’s behavior warrants a thorough examination from a vet and a qualified saddler to determine the optimal course of action.