Horse Riding Exercises: Learn to tack and bridle your horse Copy

Learn to tack and bridle your horse:

Before you ride, a horse needs to be outfitted with a saddle and bridle.

• To saddle a horse, position the saddle blanket above the horse’s withers and push it back toward the hind-legs to smooth the hair. Place the saddle behind the shoulder and pull the blanket into the empty area at the front of the saddle.
• Attach the cinch or girth and tighten it gently, allowing the horse enough room to exhale comfortably. You should be able to fit two fingers under the cinch or girth, but no more.
• Make sure you’ve got a bridle appropriate for your horse’s size. Gently place the bit near the horses mouth. Most horses will open their mouths as they’re used to bridles, but if your horse doesn’t gently push your fingers into the sides of the horse’s mouth. Slip the bit in slowly, then slip the top of the bridle over the horse’s ears. Secure all the straps and buckles, buckling tight enough that you can only comfortably fit one finger under the straps.