| Horse tack is the term used to describe all the items | | | | on doing the the saddle pad varies. For show hunting |
| used to make a horse ready to be ridden. For most of | | | | then the saddle pad is shaped like the saddle and just |
| us (who use the English style of riding), the tack | | | | shows under the saddle. The white is outlined. For |
| consists of a saddle blanket, a saddle, a bridle and a | | | | schooling you can use pretty much whatever pad you |
| girth. If you are just starting out, learning how to tack a | | | | like. Square pads are very popular. Finally for dressage |
| horse is one of the most important lessons that you | | | | the saddle pad is square, the front of the pad fits the |
| can learn (behind how to ride a horse). | | | | shape of the horses shoulders. |
| Before you tack your horse up, you need to take a | | | | Once you have put the saddle on the horse in the |
| few precautions. The most important one is to tie your | | | | correct manner, put the reins over the horses nech, |
| horse up. When you tie a horse up always use a quick | | | | remove the halter and slip it over the horses neck. |
| release not or quick release snaps. We always say at | | | | Put the bit back in the horses mouth after you have |
| the stables that it is better to have to catch a healthy | | | | unbuckled the nose band of the bridal first. |
| horse than to take a trapped horse to the vet. Another | | | | Guide the bit into the horses mouth, making sure that |
| basic safety point is to always wear a helmet and | | | | you take care not to hit the horses teeth (or loose a |
| body protector when around your horse. | | | | couple of digits). If the horse resists opening their mouth |
| Now that you have the horse tied up then it's time to | | | | then a cheeky trick is to slide a finger into the area on |
| start tacking your horse. Talk to your horse and brush | | | | the gums that the bit rests on. If it is cold, remember to |
| it down. Doing this not only calms your horse but lets | | | | warm the bit before. |
| you check your horse over for any lumps or bumps | | | | Slide the crown piece over the horses ears. |
| that it might have picked up. | | | | Nearly finished... |
| Once your horse is checked over, tied and you are | | | | Attach the throat latch loosely as if it's too tight then it |
| already to begin. Take the reins and the top of the | | | | can cut off the horses air supply. Like most things |
| bridle in the same hand and put them over your right | | | | when tacking the horse, if you can't slide few fingers |
| shoulder. Make sure that nothing is dangling on the | | | | between it then it is far too tight. |
| ground that your horse can trod on. | | | | Attach the nose band in a snug fashion, again make |
| Put the saddle together. If you haven't done this | | | | sure you slide one finger between the band and the |
| already it is always best to get someone experienced | | | | horses nose. |
| to help (and of course read our guide to how to saddle | | | | Now it's time to get the right length for the stirrups. We |
| a horse). | | | | always say before you jump on then make sure the |
| Once you have your saddle ready then it's time to put | | | | stirrup loops come up to your armpit. |
| your saddle pad onto your horse. | | | | Buckle your helmet and it's finally time to mount the |
| Now depending on the type of riding you are planning | | | | horse. |