How to Tack a Horse

Grooming

• 1

  Approach the horse from the left side.

• 2

  If the horse doesn't have a halter on, put one on.

• 3

  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.

• 4

  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.

• 5

  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.

• 6

  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

• 7

  Approach from the left side of the horse.

• 8

  Place the saddle pad on the horse's back.

• 9

  Lay the saddle gently over the saddle pad, slightly forward of the correct position.

• 10

  Slide the saddle and pad back over the horse's back into the correct position.

• 11

  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.

• 12

  Note that the girth should be hanging down on the right side. Reach under the horse's stomach and bring the girth across.

• 13

  Fasten the girth firmly. Don't jerk.

Putting On the Bridle

• 14

  Standing to the horse's left, put the reins over the horse's neck, right behind his ears.

• 15

  Unbuckle the halter and re-fasten it around the horse's neck.

• 16

  Hold the cheek straps of the bridle in your right hand. Face in the same direction as the horse.

• 17

  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.

• 18

  Use your left hand to guide the bit toward the mouth. Your hand should be facing palm up and out.

• 19

  Slip your left thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth as you bring the bit against his lips.

• 20

  Pull with your right hand and guide with your left as you ease the bit into the horse's mouth.

• 21

  Slip the crown piece over the ears. Adjust the brow band so it isn't crooked.

• 22

  Fasten the throat latch. Make sure there's room for a fist between the strap and the horse.

• 23

  Fasten the cavesson (nose band) under the chin. It should be snug, with only room for a finger or two to slip between.