How to Saddle & Bridle a Horse

Before the advent of the automobile and paved roads, people in North America and Europe traveled via horse. Though not native to North America, horses helped revolutionize travel and impacted Native American culture as well. Saddling and bridling a horse is an essential part of horseback riding and is a fairly simple task to accomplish. This process is performed basically the same way it has been for many years. As with all tasks, the more you saddle and bridle your horse, the faster and better you'll become at it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the horse free of any burrs, dirt or debris. If anything gets caught between the horse and the saddle it can be very uncomfortable for the horse.

    • 2

      Stand at the near side (left) of the horse. Lay the saddle blanket or pad on top of the horse's back, beginning just behind the front shoulders (withers). Fold all buckles, stirrups, girth and straps on top of the saddle.

    • 3

      Lift the saddle to waist height and hold it against your hip. Swing the saddle up and onto the horse's back, squarely on top of the blanket. Do not let the saddle drop onto the horse's back; ease it into place. Scoot the saddle and blanket to the appropriate position, if needed. The front of the saddle needs to be slightly behind the withers.

    • 4

      Stand at the left side of the horse. Pull up the left stirrup. Hook the left stirrup over the saddle horn. Reach under the horse's belly and grab the girth.

    • 5

      Pull the girth flat and straight -- ensure that it is not twisted. Slip the left cinch strap through the buckle on the girth. Pull the girth securely against the horses belly. Ensure that you leave one hand width between the front leg and the girth for comfort and ease of movement. Ensure that you can also slip two fingers between the belly and girth.

    • 6

      Cinch the remaining part of the strap through the buckle located on the left side of the saddle. Slip the strap in through the buckle, pushing it away from you, then back down through the girth buckle.

    • 7

      Pull the strap up and into the top buckle, pulling it to the left side. Pull the strap across the front of the girth, forming the knot. Bring the strap around the back on the other side of the buckle. Pull the strap back down behind the length of strap that runs over the girth.

    • 8

      Stand next to the horse's head on the left side. Place the bridle over the halter or remove it all together. Lay the reins over the horses head and rest them on the neck.

    • 9

      Pull the crown piece of the bridle over the horse's ears. Gently, using caution, push the bit into the horse's mouth between the teeth. Ensure that the muzzle strap of the bridle is positioned approximately 4 inches above the nostrils. Tighten the chin strap leaving a 1-inch space between the horse's chin and the strap. Tighten and buckle the throat latch on the left side of the horse's head. Ensure that you leave a fist-sized space between the throat and strap.