How To Tack A Horse

Do you want to know how to tack a horse?

Using your tack correctly is fundamental to training your horse. The following information will help you to tack up your horse correctly, for a fabulous training session or a great ride!

Tacking up a horse, includes grooming and prepping the horse for riding or simply put, putting on the horse’s riding equipment.

Here are guidelines on how to tack a horse

Saddling

1.    Place the saddle pad on the horse’s back, covering the withers.
2.    Next, lay the saddle gently on the saddle pad, leaving inches in the front and back, especially if you’re doing any mountain or trail riding. Never drop the saddle with force or hit the animal with loose tack when throwing the saddle.
3.    The girth should be fastened with at least enough room for two fingers. Make sure that it is securely fastened.
4.    On the left side, reach for the hanging girth and bring it across to the other side and fasten it properly. Make it appropriately tight and be sure to use caution to avoid jerking. Watch for horses who hold their breath to trick you.
5.    When fastening the girth, take your time and do not rush. It is best to talk to your horse in a low voice to comfort him. Make sure the straps are all straight and not twisted, in addition to never pinching the animal. It may feel loose, but this is much more comfortable for the animal and will help you with proper balance.
6.    Once your saddle is on, it is time for the next phase of <b>tacking up</b> your horse — which is bridling or putting on the headstall.

Bridling

1.    Stand next to the animal’s side. Put the reins over the horse’s neck and around forming a loop to hold the animal in place.
2.    Position yourself next to your horse’s head facing the same direction your horse is facing. Just pick a side, it doesn’t matter. We recommend switching sides so the animal is used to both.
3.    Proceed to remove the halter. Do it gently.. This is done to keep him steady. Talk to the horse to comfort him. Assuming you are on the left side of the animal. Drape the untangled bridle on the right side with your arm over the horses poll. Make sure it’s loosened to the last rung so that you can easily fit it over the horse’s head and ears.
4.    Use your left hand to guide the bit into the horse’s mouth. Be gentle. If you are using a hackamore or broken bit, hold it apart and straight with your pinky and thumb.
5.    Almost simultaneously, pull with your right hand and guide with your left hand as you ease the bit into the horses mouth for correct placement. You can slip your finger in the crease of the horse’s mouth to encourage him to accept the bit.
6.    Slip the crown piece over the ears and adjust the brow-band so it isn’t crooked and make certain that nose-band leather is under the cheek-pieces of either side. There should be a minimal crease in the corner of your horse’s mouth. Not too tight.
7.    Fasten the throat-latch and this time, there should be room for a fist between the strap and the horse. Now your horse is saddled and bridled!

Tacking up your horse requires skill on the human’s part. Inexperienced owners may be a bit clumsy, but eventually with repetition and further experience, it won’t become much of a task. The horse will also get used to your methods of tacking him up and will cooperate intuitively.

Always remember to be comforting to the animal and after every saddling and bridling, check your work. Make sure that all straps are in place and fastened securely and comfortably. Also use care to make sure your tack is clean and in good repair.