How to Tack Up a Horse
Tacking up a horse is the last step before riding.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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-
1
Tie up your horse in cross-ties, a single tie or tie the lead rope to a railing to keep your horse from wandering away.
-
2
Groom your horse in preparation for a ride.
-
3
Place protective boots or wraps on horse's legs.
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4
Saddle up the horse.
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5
Put on schooling aids such as a running martingale or drop noseband.
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6
Untie the horse's halter and remove from horse's face.
-
7
Replace halter around horse's neck to keep him from wandering off.
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8
Stand on near (left) side of horse and place right hand over horse's head and gently press downward to get horse to drop his head.
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9
Hold bit in left hand while separating the bit from the reins with your fingers.
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10
Hold the bit to the horse's mouth. A well trained horse should open his mouth. Give the "Open" command. If your horse won't open his mouth, slip your right thumb in between the lips and gums at the back of the mouth. There are no teeth there. If you wiggle your thumb, your horse should open his mouth.
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11
Gently slip the bit into the horse's mouth. Don't force the bit.
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12
Gently slip the headstall over the horses ears and buckle latch of throat strap.
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13
Thread reins through running martingale loops if you are using one.
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14
Check to make sure everything is attached and properly fitted.
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15
Ride and have fun!
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1
Tips & Warnings
A properly adjusted bit should create one or two wrinkles at the corner of the horse's mouth.
Always check tack to make sure it is in good working condition before riding.
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Comments
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brutustalks
Mar 13, 2009
I disagree about tying a horse when putting the saddle. I have seen accidents with the well trained horse that was not tied. A dog runs up and barks, a sharp noise. If the saddle is just part way on the horse and he bolts, he will get hung up in the saddle. I had rather be safe, then sorry and I tied my horses up with a half hitch. That way I could have a fast released if something should happen -
brutustalks
Mar 13, 2009
I disagree about tying a horse when putting the saddle. I have seen accidents with the well trained horse that was not tied. A dog runs up and barks, a sharp noise. If the saddle is just part way on the horse and he bolts, he will get hung up in the saddle. I had rather be safe, then sorry and I tied my horses up with a half hitch. That way I could have a fast released if something should happen
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inuyasha9177
Jan 19, 2009
Can You Use A Western Blanket When Riding English??
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inuyasha9177
Jan 19, 2009
Can You Use A Western Blanket When Riding English??
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Nov 30, 2005
I can't stress how important it is to make sure that your saddle fits properly, a good saddle fits both the rider and the horse. If your saddle doesn't fit your horse he'll be very uncomfortable and it could result in him bucking, rearing, etc., because the pain is so bad.
