- Be careful when you dismount, I have a cutting saddle and I've already ripped three shirts on the horn, I know you must be think that I must be really stupid if I managed to rip three shirts (and you're probably right) but I know that I'm not the only one whose done it. So if you wish to keep your shirts intact while riding Western, be careful when you dismount.
- Make SURE that your saddle fits the horse you're riding, Western saddles can really hurt your horse's back if doesn't fit. You should be able to fit at least 2 fingers between the gullet of your saddle and your horse, if the saddle is sitting on their withers then it definitely doesn't fit. You also have to make sure that your saddle isn't pinching your horses shoulder blades, and that the skirt of your saddle isn't pressing on their back.
