Grooming
Step1
Approach the horse from the left side.
Step2
If the horse doesn't have a halter on, put one on.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
Step6
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
Step1
Approach from the left side of the horse.
Step2
Place the saddle pad on the horse's back.
Step3
Lay the saddle gently over the saddle pad, slightly forward of the correct position.
Step4
Slide the saddle and pad back over the horse's back into the correct position.
Step5
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.
Step6
Note that the girth should be hanging down on the right side. Reach under the horse's stomach and bring the girth across.
Step7
Fasten the girth firmly. Don't jerk.
Putting On the Bridle
Step1
Standing to the horse's left, put the reins over the horse's neck, right behind his ears.
Step2
Unbuckle the halter and re-fasten it around the horse's neck.
Step3
Hold the cheek straps of the bridle in your right hand. Face in the same direction as the horse.
Step4
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.
Step5
Use your left hand to guide the bit toward the mouth. Your hand should be facing palm up and out.
Step6
Slip your left thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth as you bring the bit against his lips.
Step7
Pull with your right hand and guide with your left as you ease the bit into the horse's mouth.
Step8
Slip the crown piece over the ears. Adjust the brow band so it isn't crooked.
Step9
Fasten the throat latch. Make sure there's room for a fist between the strap and the horse.
Step10
Fasten the cavesson (nose band) under the chin. It should be snug, with only room for a finger or two to slip between.
Comments
PonyGal said
on 2/6/2007 Before puing the 'bit' in your horses mouth, warm it in your hand. Trying to put the 'bit' in while it's cold, will stunn the horse, (if you even manage to get the bit in), and your horse will not turn properly because it cold. So just remember, warm it up in your hands. It is better for you, and the horse. Happy Riding!
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 On some horses it is a good idea to do T Touch before tacking up. T Touch is a calming massage. You work you fingers up the back in circles. Do not push too hard. Remember, it's a massage!
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 It is best to halter your horse and tie them up, or put them in cross ties. Put the saddle on first, and then the bridal, so you don't have to hold the reins while you put the saddle on.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 If you're mounting on a horse, start on the left side. It doesn't matter if you start on either side, but long ago when knights had swords they had it on the the right side and they didn't want to stab the horse; so they mounted on the left side of the horse.
Anonymous said
on 7/13/2006 Never ever ever but the reins over the horse's neck, unless you want to kill your horse!
If the reins are over the neck and the horse bolts, you're going to have a broken bridle and the horse will have two broken legs.