| Depending on the horse and what you are going to | | | | put the head collar back on the horse while you are |
| be doing with it there will be variations to the tack | | | | doing this unless you have someone there to hold |
| you will need. In general you will need a bridle, saddle | | | | the horse. The numnah or saddle cloth should be |
| and possibly boots. You will also need a numnah and | | | | placed on the horses back and the saddle should be |
| girth. Some horses also require a breastplate or | | | | placed on top. When fitting a saddle it is important |
| martingale. | | | | that it does not restrict the movement of the |
| Firstly put the reins over the horses head and leave | | | | shoulder and that it does not sit too far back and on |
| them round the neck. This will enable you to have | | | | the lumbar vertebrae. It is essential that you get an |
| control over the horse while putting the bridle on. | | | | expert to fit the saddle and that the fit is checked |
| Stand facing the same direction as the horse and put | | | | regularly as horses change shape depending on the |
| your right arm under their head, taking the cheek | | | | work they are doing. Pull the numnah or saddle cloth |
| pieces in your right hand. Take the bit in your left | | | | up at the front of the saddle to ensure it is not |
| hand and using your thumb open the horse's mouth | | | | pressing down on the withers. Pull the girth through |
| and push the bit in. At the same time lift the rest of | | | | under the belly and fasten it to the girth straps. Pull |
| the bridle to raise the position of the bit into the | | | | the girth as tight as possible to prevent the saddle |
| mouth. Put the head piece at the top of the bridle | | | | from slipping when you mount. |
| over the horse's ears. The noseband should be inside | | | | Consider if the horse needs boots, I generally ride |
| the cheek pieces and fastened. This should be | | | | my horses in knee boots if they are going out on the |
| fastened quite tightly as it prevents the horse from | | | | roads as these protect the knees if they trip over a |
| opening its mouth when being ridden. The throat lash | | | | kerb or slip. |
| should be fastened next and this should be loose | | | | It is essential that the horse has correctly fitting tack |
| enough to allow the horse freedom of movement of | | | | otherwise they can get problems, rubbed skin, tight |
| the head but is intended to hold the bridle in place if | | | | muscles and back problems. If you are unsure then |
| for example the rider falls and pulls the reins over the | | | | always ask an expert to check that the tack fits and |
| head. | | | | that you have an appropriate bit and the necessary |
| The saddle should be fitted next; you might want to | | | | boots, martingales and added extras. |