Tacking Up

Hey, guys. I thought I’d share a few tips about when I prepare horses for riding. Hope you benefit from it.:)

First, I give the horse a real good brushing with each of the brushes(yes, the rubber curry comb, the dandy or rough brush, and the soft brush) P.S. brush the girth area really well.  I also check the hooves to make sure there are no stones or burrs in his hoof. They go faster and listen more obediently if their mind isn’t on how to get the painful thing out of their hoof. It could irritate or even hurt them.

When saddling, put the pad on his neck and slide it down his back, until the top of the pad rests on his withers. Then rest the saddle on your knee, still holding it, flip the girth over the saddle so it doesn’t get in the way,  and use your knee to swing it up on his back. It helps to use that knee so you don’t use all your upper body strength.

When I buckle the girth, I leave it a little loose so my horse can get used to it. Then I tighten it up after I check the saddle for torn places or ripped places. Then I tighten it and buckle the girth or strap in the T-knot. I’ll try to get a video of me doing the T-knot.

When you put on the collar or chest strap, make sure that the whole chest area is clean and brushed. Then slide the strap over and buckle it.

Finally the bridle. Yes, this is my least favorite part (lol).Stick your finger in the corner of his mouth and push firmly, then gently slide the bit into his mouth and pull the head stall over his ears. Or for you who don’t like sticking your fingers in a horse’s mouth, simply bury the bit in a little pile of hay and offer it to your horse! That’s probably the easiest way, but I have to clean it off good afterwards.

Happy riding,

R.