Guide To Tacking Up A Horse

Get Starting Tacking Up A Horse

Equipment and Gear

Before setting out, like any storied cowboy, it's essential to have the right tools. This ensures a harmonious ride where the horse and rider move as one.

Saddle: More than just a seat, the saddle is a symbol of trust between horse and rider. Choosing the right saddle means understanding your horse's anatomy and your riding needs. Care for it like the cherished tool it is, and it will provide many adventures in return.
Bridle: The bridle, like the reins of a stagecoach, guides and directs. Proper attachment and adjustment are the keys to communication.
Stirrups: Ever-present stirrups provide stability, like the strong foundation of a prairie homestead. Adjusted just right, they help the rider flow seamlessly with the horse's movements.
Reins: The reins are the whispered conversations between horse and rider. They're the lifeline, the subtle nudge, the gentle pull. Master their use, and your horse becomes an extension of you.

Preparing the Horse

Venturing out into the untamed wild starts with preparing your noble steed.
Grooming: As one brushes away the dust of the trail, grooming connects rider and horse. It ensures comfort and readies the horse for the journey ahead.
Checking for Injuries: Just as a cowboy would never overlook his own well-being, ensuring your horse is in prime condition is crucial. Regular checks for injuries help in ensuring that the journey is pleasant for both.
Cleaning Hooves: In the heart of every horse lies the hoof. Cleaning them is not just about maintenance but about ensuring every step taken is confident and sure-footed.

Applying Tack

The open plains await, and so does the thrill of the ride. But before you set off:

Placing the Saddle Pad: A cushion between the horse and the saddle, it should sit snug, ensuring the horse's comfort.
Positioning the Saddle: Like finding the perfect spot to set up camp, positioning the saddle ensures the horse and rider share a comfortable journey. A mispositioned saddle is like a stone in a cowboy's boot; it'll only cause trouble down the road.
Adjusting the Girth: Secure, but not constricting. The girth holds the saddle in place, setting the stage for a perfect ride.

Saddling the Horse

Now, to the heart of the matter.

Saddling: Every cowboy knows the bond formed while saddling up. This isn't just about placing a saddle but about understanding the horse beneath it. From the position of the saddle pad to the final tug of the girth, every step is a dance of understanding and trust.

How to Tack Up A Horse

Approaching the Horse

Before any ride on the open plains, a connection needs to be established. Approach your horse with calm assurance, reminiscent of a cowboy approaching a campfire after a long day. Always from the side, not directly from the front or back. Take a moment to bond, grooming and patting them, laying the foundation for trust.

Inserting the Bit

One of the first steps in this Americana dance is the careful insertion of the bit. With gentle hands, lift the horse's upper lip, gently sliding the bit between the front and back teeth. It's not just about placing metal in a mouth; it's about ensuring comfort, allowing that horse to chew and move its tongue, creating an understanding between rider and steed.

Adjusting the Headstall

Like adjusting a cowboy hat against the desert sun, ensuring the headstall sits just right is paramount. Slide it above the base of the horse's ears, adjusting those cheek pieces. The bit should rest comfortably, creating a slight wrinkle at the mouth's corners. Fasten the throat latch and noseband, snug but never constricting.

Ensuring Proper Fit

As you'd select the right pair of boots for a journey, choose the tack that fits your horse perfectly. An ill-fitted saddle or tight bridle isn't just a mere inconvenience; it's a potential day-ruiner. Measure your horse, ensuring the saddle sits without pressure points and the girth isn't overly tight. It's all about harmony, ensuring every step on the trail is a comfortable one.

Checking the Tack

Just as a cowboy checks his gear before a journey, inspect your tack. Look for signs of wear in the saddle, ensure the girth is snug, and confirm the bridle's noseband and throat latch are just right. Regular checks maintain safety, just like ensuring a campfire is properly out before leaving.

Checking for Damage

The trails and rides can take a toll. Always inspect for damage. Look at the saddle, the girth, and the bridle. Even the leg wraps need a keen eye. Address wear and tear immediately, ensuring that every ride is safe and comfortable.

Adjusting as Needed

Remember, no two rides are the same. Adjust the tack as the journey demands. Ensure the saddle sits right, the girth is snug but comfortable, and the bit is just where it needs to be. It's the flexibility of a cowboy adjusting to the changing landscapes.

Mounting the Horse

Now, with the tack set and the sun beckoning, it's time to mount. Use a mounting block if needed, for it’s a nod to tradition and care. Once astride, take a moment. Feel the connection, the trust, and the promise of the journey ahead.

Final Checks

Before the hooves hit the trail, do your final checks. Ensure everything sits just right, from the saddle pad to the stirrups. It's the last moment of stillness before the adventure begins.

Conclusion

Tacking up isn't just a process; it's an art. It's the promise of tales untold, of journeys across the vast expanse, and of a bond that only a rider and their horse can understand. With each buckle and each adjustment, you're not just preparing for a ride; you're stepping into a story. So next time you tack up, remember the heritage, the care, and the stories waiting to be written under the vast American skies.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.