How to Untack a Horse

After riding horseback, pay some attention to winding down the horse before leading it to the stall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hoof Picks
• Sponges
• Body Brushes
• Bridles
• Dandy Brushes
• Horse Brushes
• Horse Halters
• Saddle Pads
• Saddles
• Sweat Scrapers
• Sweat Scrapers
• Bits
• Sponges

1. Place the end of a halter rope over the horse's neck, and then unbuckle the throat latch and cavesson (noseband). Don't unbuckle the cheek straps.

2. Slip the crown piece over the ears, along with the reins and let the bit drop out from the horse's mouth. Don't yank it out.

3. Hang the bridle from your right shoulder.

4. Slip the nosepiece of the halter over the horse's nose and fasten the crown piece; then head to the stable, unbuckle the girth on the left side and let it fall gently to the floor.

5. Go to the right side and tuck up the girth so it doesn't drag.

6. Lift off the saddle and pad from the left side of the horse and put them away. The pommel should be in the crook of your arm when you carry the saddle.

7. Hang the pad out to dry if it's wet.

8. Walk the horse around on a halter to cool it down.

9. Groom the horse by cleaning out its hooves with a hoof pick and brushing the horse with a dandy brush and body brush. On the legs, face, neck, mane and tail, use a body brush only.

10. Use a sponge dipped in tepid water mixed with liniment on the legs, girth, and back.

11. Scrape the excess water off the horse with a sweat scraper.

12. Wipe the horse's eyes, nose, and lips with a separate damp sponge.

13. Put the horse back in its stall and remove the halter.

Tips & Warnings

• Always do everything from the left side.
• Always remove the bridle first.
• Always cool down your horse after a workout.
• Never tie the horse with its bridle. Take it off and tie the horse with a halter first and foremost.
• Do not let the horse drink too much water immediately after a ride.
• Take the appropriate precautions when working with a horse - wear a helmet and protective shoes and clothing.
• Horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[mishkalilly]

on 1/12/2009 Unless you know the horse, do everything from the left side, this is how horses are universally trained and i've seen horses flip out when things are done from the opposite side. Also, never tie your horse up by its reins, this can be very dangerous and cause a bridling issue later down the road. It's a bad idea to hook the halter back up around the horses neck and let it dangle, I've seen horses put their head down and get a leg caught in it.

on 8/8/2006 I always find it easiest to take the saddle off first, so if your horse decides to walk away, then you still have the bridle to hold onto.

on 2/20/2006 you dont have to cool down the horse or use the sponge if you are taking lessons. The owner of the stable will take care of that. Also you dont have to do every thing from the left.

on 11/22/2005 When you take off the bridle don't yank it downward. The bit will bang against the horse's teeth. If you do this frequently, your horse will be reluctant when you take off the bridle, so just slip the headpiece back over the horse's ears, and wait for the horse to open his mouth for him to drop the bit. Also, wash the tack after every ride. If you don't have time, wash the bit.