SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/horse-groom-before-saddling

Why brush a horse's hair flat before putting on the saddle?

Ruffled hair under tack can cause saddle sores.

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  1. To keep the saddle pad centered
  2. To make the girth tighten faster
  3. Ruffled hair under tack can cause sores ✔

Why: Rutgers says to groom before tacking up, paying attention where the gear touches. Ruffled hair under the saddle or girth irritates the skin and can cause saddle sores.

Huh, didn't know that: Rutgers says to also check those areas for injuries; a sore back can mean waiting to ride.

The dad joke
Why was the horse so relaxed after grooming? It had been brushed up on its manners.
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References

Answer: Ruffled hair under tack can cause sores. Rutgers says to groom before tacking up, paying attention where the gear touches. Ruffled hair under the saddle or girth irritates the skin and can cause saddle sores.

  1. Rutgers Equine Science Center: Saddling and Bridling Horses Safely esc.rutgers.edu/fact_sheet/saddling-and-bridling-horses-safely
    Ruffled hairs under the saddle or girth can cause irritation and saddle sores.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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