How to Make a Saddle Stand to Sit on

Horseback riding can be a relaxing and fun experience, even for a first-time rider, but it's important to get in as much practice and instruction as possible before that first ride. It helps to have a stationary saddle stand. You can build one for saddle storage as well as for people of all ages to throw a leg over to get the feel for being on the real animal, but without all that movement and jostling that can seem scary to younger and less experienced riders.

Things You'll Need

  • Strong, thick wooden sawhorse
  • Nylon rope (25 to 50 feet)
  • Large, thin mattress
  • Duct tape
  • Old blankets
  • Saddle
  • 4 by 4 pieces (two 6- to 8-inch long pieces for each sawhorse leg)
  • Long nails or screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your large, thin mattress and fold it in half lengthwise. Tie it down with the rope, so it maintains the folded shape. Your sawhorse should be tall enough and strong enough to support the weight of the mattress, the saddle and at least 200 pounds on top of that. If it's not, you may want to use some extra screws and/or available lumber to reinforce it.

    • 2

      Center the folded mattress on the crossbar of the sawhorse and tie it into another fold with the rope. Use the duct tape to wrap the mattress in a tight cocoon around the crossbar and the top of the sawhorse leg joints. The idea is to create a solid and permanent base that has some cushion to it that will not shift with the rider's movement in the saddle on top.

    • 3

      Secure the 6- to 8-inch lengths of 4 by 4 to each other with the long nails or screws, so you get an even block for each sawhorse leg. For extra height, you can place these lengthwise or flat under each sawhorse foot.

    • 4

      Fold and drape the old blankets over your duct-taped mattress base and secure those in place with the rest of your rope. Position the saddle, so it fits comfortably on top. The stirrups should be hanging in midair, a good 6 to 12 inches from the ground.

    • 5

      Test it out to see if any further adjustments are needed. When seated, the rider must be able to shift positions comfortably. The saddle needs to be secured tightly enough to the stand, so it doesn't slip in any direction. Mounting and getting off the stand should also be fairly easy to do, even for the youngest rider.