How to Tack Up a Horse for Riding

Horseback riding is a great activity for kids and adults alike. If you’re new to riding, you’ll need to be set up with the right equipment for your horse. The equipment used specifically when riding is known as tack. Here’s how to tack up a horse for riding.

Rider Safety

The first step in tacking up your horse is to secure them to a hitching post. While you tack up the horse, you’ll want them to stay in place so that you can remain safe while gearing them up. Ties, slip knots, or quick release clips can be great options for securing your horse to a hitching post, added HorseClicks, who are offering horse for sale in Kansas.

Horse Safety

The next step in tacking up your horse is to groom them. Grooming your horse will reduce the likelihood of them developing sores under their saddle due to dirt rubbing against their coat. Use a brush to brush their coat and check their hooves to ensure their shoes are not loose.

Saddle Up

Once all safety precautions are in place, it’s time to saddle up your horse. Based on your preferred riding style, you’ll need a specific type of saddle. Regardless of saddle type, you should always follow these steps for saddling up. Start by placing the saddle pad on the horse’s neck and sliding it down to into place on the horse’s back. Next, gently place the saddle over the saddle pad and try to slide the stirrups on the saddle higher on the straps to avoid hitting the horse side during this step. Once the saddle is on, buckle and adjust the girth to fit the horse and slide the stirrups back down.

Placing the Bridle

The bridle is the headpiece that includes the reins for the rider to steer with. At this stage, it is safe to unattach the horse from the hitching post. Place the reins from the bridle over the horse’s neck for better control of the horse if needed. Then, place your fingers on either side of the bit and push the bit into the horse’s mouth. Once the bit is in, slowly slide the headpiece over the horse’s ears and loosely buckle the throat latch.

Once you know how to tack up a horse for riding, you’re all set for your first ride and beyond.