How to Tack up a Horse
Action heroes have the uncanny ability to jump on any horse without arranging the necessary equipment, such as a saddle, a bridle and a girth. In real life, such a stunt is dangerous and leads to a pretty uncomfortable ride. Taking your horse up is clearly a necessity. A well-tacked up horse is comfortable to ride and easy to control, greatly enhancing your riding experience.
A Collection of Riding Equipment
Tack is composed of several equipment that readies your horse for riding. Items included are:
bridle
saddle
girth
hoof pick and brush
riding helmet
Each of them has a distinct function that falls under horse grooming, ride safety and ride control. All of the equipment must be properly installed or applied for a smooth and safe ride, so let’s discuss each of them in detail.
Saddle
The saddle, which comes in the form of a leather padded seat, is used to support the weight of the rider. It is connected at the back of the horse through the girth. The seat is a bit soft and bears contours that are suitable for most riders, promoting comfort and control at the same time. Supporting equipment like the saddle blanket and saddle pad are also arranged on your horse to enhance your riding experience even further.
When saddling, lay the saddle blanket at the back of the horse. Make sure it lies evenly. Place the saddle pad, which acts as additional support for both the rider and the horse, on top of the blanket. Set the saddle on top of the pad and connect it to the girth. Connect the corresponding straps and stirrups, so the saddle is securely affixed.
Girth
The girth is a leather strip wrapped around the horse’s belly. It connects to the saddle, holding it in place, even in rough conditions or at high speeds. It has billets or straps that are joined to the sadle’s buckles.
Bridle
The bridle is a series of leather straps used to control the horse’s speed and direction. They are fastened on the horse’s head, snout, mouth, cheeks and near the ears. Parts of the strap tighten on some of the horse’s sensitive facial areas, which makes the animal obey your orders. Just tug the rope to a certain direction, tightening the straps, and the horse will obey.
The straps are simple to put on, with the bit and noseband acting as your guides. Upon affixing both items, you will see where the other parts of the bridle go.
Hoof Pick and Brush
The hoof pick is used to remove dirt and objects stuck to the horse’s hooves. It can fit the hooves’ thin contours, prying off dirt in one smooth motion. The brush, on the other hand, is used to remove dirt and parasites on the horse mane, tail and body.
Always Wear the Riding Helmet
You should always wear the riding helmet whenever you ride a horse. Even if you’re well secured to the saddle, several sudden movements by the horse can send you crashing. The helmet is quite sturdy, protecting your head from fairly hard hits. However, if you want more protection, riding safely is your best option.