How to Tack a Horse

Tacking a horse includes grooming and putting on the riding equipment. Do it right and both you and the horse will be happier during your ride.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hoof Picks
• Sponges
• Currycombs
• Bridles
• Dandy Brushes
• Equestrian Body Brushes
• Horse Halters
• Horse Reins
• Saddle Pads
• Saddles

Grooming

1. Approach the horse from the left side.

2. If the horse doesn't have a halter on, put one on.

3. Move your hand down the horse's left front leg and gently squeeze the back of the fetlock. Pick up the horse's hoof so that you're looking at the bottom of it.

4. Using a hoof pick, clean out the dirt in the hoof with a downward motion from the heel to the toe. Do all four feet.

5. Brush the horse's body with a dandy brush to remove sweat and dirt marks. Use short strokes in the direction of the lie of the coat. Brush the legs, head, neck, mane and tail with the softer body brush. You can also use the body brush on the rest of the horse's body for a finished look.

6. Use a damp sponge to clean the horse's eyes, nostrils and lips. Use a different sponge to clean under his dock (tail).

Saddling Up

1. Approach from the left side of the horse.

2. Place the saddle pad on the horse's back.

3. Lay the saddle gently over the saddle pad, slightly forward of the correct position.

4. Slide the saddle and pad back over the horse's back into the correct position.

5. Check the right side of the saddle to make sure it's not rolled up. Lift the front of the saddle and pad slightly to make an air bubble.

6. Note that the girth should be hanging down on the right side. Reach under the horse's stomach and bring the girth across.

7. Fasten the girth firmly. Don't jerk.

Putting On the Bridle

1. Standing to the horse's left, put the reins over the horse's neck, right behind his ears.

2. Unbuckle the halter and re-fasten it around the horse's neck.

3. Hold the cheek straps of the bridle in your right hand. Face in the same direction as the horse.

4. Bring your right hand, holding the bridle, under the horse's head and over the nose. Hold your hand over his face (between the nostrils and the eyes) to steady him.

5. Use your left hand to guide the bit toward the mouth. Your hand should be facing palm up and out.

6. Slip your left thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth as you bring the bit against his lips.

7. Pull with your right hand and guide with your left as you ease the bit into the horse's mouth.

8. Slip the crown piece over the ears. Adjust the brow band so it isn't crooked.

9. Fasten the throat latch. Make sure there's room for a fist between the strap and the horse.

10. Fasten the cavesson (nose band) under the chin. It should be snug, with only room for a finger or two to slip between.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk softly to the horse as you work.

• Use a currycomb to clean your brush as you groom.

• Always approach and start from the left side.

• When touching a horse's rear, talk to the horse first and run your hand along his body from front to back to avoid startling him.

• Hold the tail when you brush the rear to keep the horse from kicking.

• Brush the tail standing to the horse's side, not directly in back of him.

• Avoid tying down the horse in his bridle. Use a halter.

• Always groom a horse before taking him out for a ride.

• The method of putting on the bridle and saddle may vary slightly, depending on what sort of riding tack you're using.

• Never sit or kneel on the floor to reach the lower parts; squat or bend.

• Never approach a horse too quickly.

• Don't brush too hard, especially on the delicate legs and face.

• Never stand directly behind a horse.

• 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.