How to Attach an Off-Billet to a D-Ring

A Western saddle rig is secured to a horse primarily by the cinch, a wide strap that fits under the horse. The cinch is connected to the saddle's rigging on the right, or "off" side, by a strap called the off-billet. The off-billet, in turn, attaches directly to a D-ring on the saddle. On a typical Western rig, the off-billet is tied onto the D-ring with a leather cord or strap and is left in place until it needs to be replaced. The cinch is adjusted on the left side of the saddle, where it attaches to a more flexible strap called the latigo.

Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the D-ring on the right side of the saddle, just below the seat. Pull the billet strap through the D-ring from behind until it is about halfway through the ring.

    • 2

      Align the holes on the front and back halves of the billet strap. The typical "two-ply" billet has two holes near the D-ring, where the strap is tied off, and a series of holes lower on the strap where the cinch strap buckles on.

    • 3

      Push a leather cord through the hole at the top of the billet's back half near the D-ring, then pull the cord through the matching hole in the front half of the strap.

    • 4

      Secure the off-billet in place by tying off the leather cord with an overhand knot, followed by two half-hitches to lock the knot in place.