TACKING UP A HORSE

Tacking up a horse is part of looking after it. It takes lots of practice but it is worth it because after one has finished the horse is ready to ride.













To do this get a halter which is a leather strap put around the horses neck. Undo the top buckle of the halter,bring it over to the horse's head and do up the top buckle.














Then bring the horse over by holding onto the leadrope. This is so one has control over the horse. Next tie up the horse to a secure rail, tie it up by the leadrope because if the horse plays up the rider has more control over the horse. Then get some brushes and brush the horse from head to tail and down the legs.











Next get a hoove pick and clean all four hooves with it so when one rides the horse it's feet won't get sore. When one has done that place the saddle blanket just behind the withers (the ridge beetween the horses shoulder blade) then place the saddle on top of the saddle blanket. After that tighten the girth (a band holding the saddle in place). After that get the bridle (a part of a horses harness that goes over it's head) and put it on by placing the bit (a bit is a part of the bridle that goes in it's mouth). To put on the bit put it at the horses mouth until it accepts it. Then bring the headband (the top part of a horses bridle) over the ears and tighten the throat lash (a throat lash is a strip that goes under the horses throat so you can steir the horse).







Next check if the saddle needs tightening and if it does do so (the saddle may need tightening because the horse can puff it's belly out). Roll down the stirrups (a stirrup is a strip joined to the saddle to put the riders feet in).







After one has finished following these steps then the horse is ready to ride and the rider can enjoy riding the horse.