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