3 Point or "V" Saddle Rigging Instructions

V rigging is a method of fastening your saddle, from both front and back saddle rings, to the front cinch by means of long latigos that ends up in a V shape. It may also be called “center fire” as the cinch can be adjusted all the way back to center. Then the rigging has the appearance of a true center fire rigged saddle creating a balance that is most comfortable for the horse while improving saddle “fit” and function. The front to back straps create an extra snug fit and make steep riding more secure.

Balancing the saddle optimizes the built in rock to lighten the front as the back is secured. It allows proper placement of the rider/saddle weight at the horse’s strongest portion of his back; just behind the withers. Both side of the saddle are rigged with latigos, in mirror image to each other. (No offside billet is used). The latigos need to be about 6 feet long.

The advantage of V rigging is that it can be used to move the cinch back out towards the rear girth area where the cinch does no tend to gall the horse.

1. Start with latigo at the back saddle ring.	2. Go down through the inside of the cinch ring.
3. Back up to the front saddle ring and in through the outside of it.	4. Then head down through the inside of cinch ring again as you would if you were going to buckle it the cinch ring.
5. Take the latigo up to the back saddle ring.	6. Tie it off with a knot at that point

This method puts the knot on the back of the saddle ring, out of the way of the rider legs. It also puts 2/3 of the tension on the front saddle ring.