Instructions
Control your emotions when approaching your horse. Horses are highly sensitive and can easily pick up on your emotions. Approach your horse in a non-threatening way, move slowly but with confidence and avoid sudden movements. Pet your mount; many horses enjoy being petted on the nose or the withers. Brush the animal's body and legs with a sure and gentle touch using a soft brush on sensitive leg and underbelly areas. Rub your hands down the horse's legs and pick up his feet to clean them. Make sure no rocks or other potentially painful items are in the hoof. Grooming will help establish trust before you put the saddle on and will ensure there is nothing caught in the horse's hair that may cause pain under a saddle.
Speak softly when you are grooming and petting the horse. Sing or hum and rub the horse's body. Before putting on the saddle blanket, show it to your mount. Let him sniff it and see that it is not threatening before you put it on. Slowly put on the blanket making sure to continue moving with deliberate movements. Allow the horse to get accustomed to the blanket while stroking its body as you adjust the placement of the blanket. Pause to reassure your mount with gentle petting and soothing talk.
Approach the horse holding the saddle close to your body. Do not drag any of the cinches or straps on the ground because you might spook the horse. Talk to your horse and show him the saddle. Give the horse a chance to sniff and examine the saddle. Place the saddle on the horse's back without swinging it out too much. Maintain close contact with the horse's body the entire time you move around it to fasten down the saddle. Continue to speak to the horse and tell it what you are doing in a friendly tone. When the saddle is affixed, offer a treat before you mount your horse. Speak to him and touch him to show that his calm behavior is appreciated.
How Do I Calm Down My Horse When I'm Putting on a Saddle?
Horseback riding is a relaxing and exciting sport that should be enjoyed by both horse and rider. Proper technique on the part of the rider ensures a calm and positive experience. Knowing how to calm your horse when putting on his saddle allows you to avoid excessive dangers in the process. One of the first techniques to master is saddling a horse and having a calm mount is ideal when attempting this skill.