"Tack" is a general term used to describe horse riding equipment.The saddle, stirrups, bridles and other pieces are put on the horse.There are universal steps to follow if you are using an English or western style saddle.You can ride off into the sunset with some preparation and attention to detail.
Step 1: Your horse needs to be tied up.
If you are going to tack up your horse, you should tie it up so that it can't get away from you.Many people put a halter on a horse.Make sure the metal clasp that is attached to your horse's halter is a quick release like a panic snap.If your horse panics and gets caught, you can use this instead of a snap hook.If you tie your horse with a lead rope, it's a good idea to slip knot it so that you can take it off quickly in the event of an emergency.You shouldn't use the horse's bridle to tie it up.Before you put on the saddle, you should put this on your horse.
Step 2: The horse needs grooming.
You should do a full grooming, which includes brushing the horse and picking out the feet with a hoof pick.You should thoroughly groom the areas where the saddle and girth go.The horse will be irritated if you don't.Bring the horse's hoof up to you in order to protect your knees and reduce the risk of being kicked.It's important to groom a horse before tacking it up to make sure it doesn't get saddle sores or other pain caused by excessive loose hair or dirt.If there are bumps, swelling, and heat on the horse, you need to check it out as a groom.
Step 3: Prepare your horse.
Before tacking up, make sure you have all your equipment nearby.It will be easier to tack up your horse if you have all your supplies at your fingertips.Place the stirrup and cinch on the far side of the horse.They don't hit the horse when you place the saddle on it.Cross the stirrups over the top of the saddle to keep them out of your way until you are ready to ride the horse.You can run up your stirrups by sliding the stirrup up the leather strap and then putting it through the middle of the main stirrup part.
Step 4: The pads should be on the horse.
If you want to see how much padding your horse needs, have your vet or saddle fitr help you.Depending on your tack, use a blanket, cloth, or foam pad.The front of the pad should be on the horse's withers.The withers are located where the top part of the animal's shoulder blades meet its neck.You want the pad to be higher than the withers.The horse's hair won't be pushed down in an unnatural position if it is slid down a bit.If you are riding on a western saddle, you will want a thicker saddle pad than you would use with an English saddle since the Western saddles tend to be heavier and have more components.If you are riding with an English saddle, you may want to place a saddle blanket and English pad on the horse for added protection.The pads and saddle are usually on the left side of the horse.The horse will be used to being active on that side of its body.
Step 5: The saddle should be placed on the horse's back.
Place the saddle on the horse's back gently.The saddle should be in the middle of the saddle pad.There is a thin strip of the saddle pad in front of it if it is sitting correctly.Lift the top of the pad into place if you are riding English.It should look like a tent.Lift the front of the blanket and saddle up so that they can come down from a few centimeters above the withers.The location of the saddle on the horse's back should be adjusted before tacking.
Step 6: The horse's girth should be put on.
The saddle is connected to the horse's body with a strap.Attach it to the right side of the saddle first, then pull it under the animal's body and attach it on the left side.If you are using an English saddle, the girth should be attached in the first and third straps.Some horses don't like their girth being tightened.They may try to bite you when you tighten your girth.If you are using a breast strap or rear cinch, now is the time to position them.
Step 7: The girth needs to be tight.
When you first tighten it, you want it to be about 1/3 as tight as you prefer.Move your horse by taking a few steps.Slowly tighten the girth again.The saddle won't move easily if your girth is tight, so you should fit 2 fingers under it.Once you have warmed up, tighten the girth again, as horses tend to puffed their stomachs when being tacked up.Before mounting, make sure the girth is tight.
Step 8: You should adjust your stirrups.
The stirrups can be adjusted once the saddle is on.They should be as far away from your fingertips as possible.If you are going to be riding in a crouched position with your rear end off the saddle, you need to shorten the stirrups.The stirrup bar can be hinged to lock it in place.It's important to keep it down to prevent it from being dragged.
Step 9: Wrap it up.
If you plan on exercising your horse, you may want to wrap its legs.The legs can be wrapped with polo wrap.It depends on your horse's needs and the supplies you have.The area you are going to wrap needs to be dry and clean.Wrap the horse's leg below its knee to protect it from the elements.Make sure the strap of the boot is wrapped around the horse's leg and not on the outside of it.Make sure the wrap is clean and free of mud and hair.
Step 10: Put the reins on the horse.
The reins should be put over the horse's head.They don't want to get tangled in all the other straps on the bridle.You will always have control over the horse with the reins.Make sure the clips are facing out when you attach the reins.The clips won't rub against the horse's mouth if they are facing outward.
Step 11: Put it in the horse's mouth.
To get the crown, noseband, and throatlatch out of the way, hold it in your right hand.Try to get the bit into the horse's mouth.If you want to push against the horse's mouth, put a finger on each side of the bit.If the horse doesn't take the bit, it is a good idea to put your thumb in the corner of the animal's mouth where there are no teeth.If you want to help the horse take the bit, put some honey or oil on it.Praise them every time they take the bit to help them get used to it.Make sure you don't hit the horse's teeth or they will sour the bit.Warm the bit so the horse won't become bit-shy.
Step 12: Put the bridle on the horse.
Put the bridle over the horse's ears.The ear closest to the person will slide under if they put it on the farthest ear first.The headstall of the bridle should be behind the ears if it is placed correctly.
Step 13: The throat and noseband should be fastened.
If you want to attach the bridle, you need to put a throatlatch under the horse's throat.If the horse wears a nose band, it will need to be fastened between its nostrils and its eyes.The nose bands should not be in the horse's mouth.The bridle is held in place by these.You should be able to fit 4 fingers in between the horse and the throat latch when you buckle it.You should be able to fit two to three fingers under the nose band.You need to bring the nose band around the horse's muzzle, in front of and not touching the bit, and then do the buckle under the horses face to make sure it isn't too tight.