How to Tack up a Horse

Tacking up a Horse the first few times can be a Headache if you don't know how to do it.
Its a fairly simple process, and its done quickly if you're doing it right. for those of you who don't know how, here's how to tack up your horse.

Step 1:
Tie Your horse with cross ties or a hitching post if you have to. Always use quick release knots. Its better to chase your horse down than having him get hurt because the rope won't untie.

Step 2:
Brush your horse. This can be a Full groom, or just brush the places where the tack is going to rest. Also, Remember to pick his feet free of rocks and dirt. When grooming check your horse for heat, lumps, swelling or any unusual things that might be a sign of un-soundness.

Step 3:
Put on the saddle pad on his withers, a bit higher than usual. Slide it down to its normal place so all the fu is lined up one way.

Step 4:
Place the saddle gently on the horse's back. It should sit in the middle of the saddle pad. make sure it doesn't interfere with the horse's shoulder. If it is placed correctly there should always be a thin strip of the pad sticking out underneath, directly underneath the Pommel. Lift both the saddle AND the pad higher than usual and slide it back to normal.

Step 5:
Put on his Girth next. If your horse is know for blowing up his stomach with air so you tighten the girth to loosely, make sure to tighten it slowly from both sides when he exhales.
Check your girth again prior to mounting.

Step 6:
Put on your horse's boots.

Step 7:
Unbuckle the cross ties and put the reins over your horse's head. This will prevent it from getting tangled in all the other straps and help you keep control of the horse.

Step 8:
Put the bit in the Horse's mouth. Put your fingers on the ends of the bit and gently push it against the horse's mouth. It i also a good idea to press your thumbs at the very corners of his mouth where he has no teeth to encourage him to accept the bit.

Step 9:
Put the horse's crown piece over his ears.

Step 10:
Buckle the throat lash. you should be able to fit 4 fingers in between the two.

Step 11:
Buckle the Chin strap. You should be able to fit 1 or 2 fingers under it.

Now you are ready to go!!!!