How Should You Place a Saddle on the Ground?

When a saddle isn’t on a horse, the best way to store it is on a saddle stand or rack. But what do you do when when you’re away from the barn and need to set your saddle down temporarily on the ground or in a vehicle?

The best techniques will avoid these three pitfalls

1.  Won’t compromise the saddle tree.
2.  Won’t cause the fenders, stirrups and skirts to get bunched up and creased.
3.  Won’t scratch or dent the saddle.

The best positions in order of preference are:

1. Stand your saddle nose down on the fork. This position puts the weight on the very strong fork and doesn’t cause any other parts to be bunched up.

2. Lay your saddle on its side with the fenders and stirrups lying smoothly. Make sure nothing is bunched up under the saddle.

3. Lay your saddle upside down with the weight on the horn and cantle. Fold the fenders and stirrups inward.

DO NOT place your saddle down right side up, flat on the ground. This position puts pressure on the tree and fork and almost always bunches up your fenders, stirrups and skirts.

When placing your saddle on the ground or in a vehicle, make sure you’re not placing it on a surface that will scratch or dent your saddle. Put down a blanket if possible.

 

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