Tacking up part 2 (saddle)

*Above is a Numnah, the blanket that goes under the saddle. Picture from: http://www.bpequestrian.co.uk/images/Numnah-lightblue.jpg

Picture of saddle from: http://www.equusite.com/

Before reading how to put a saddle on take a look at the picture to see the parts and where they are located.

Step 1. Stand on your pony's side and put the *Numnah (read the very top of the post to find out about Numnahs') over his withers and slide it backward. this will make the hairs of this coat lie flat.

Step 2. Place the saddle over the withers and slide backwards. Tuck the numnah up into the *gullet of the saddle so it doesn't press on your pony's withers - the shoulders should be able to move freely

* the gullet is the section under the front of the saddle (underneath the pommel)

Step 3. Unfold the *girth (the girth strap gets put around the horses stomach) and fasten it around the horses stomach - but be careful because some horses puff out their bellies, so you will need to tighten the girth again. ALWAYS check the girth strap before *mounting (mounting meaning getting on the horse)

Step 4. (if the bridle isn't on yet follow the steps in tacking up part 1 (bridle) then come back) Step 4 is mounting to mount place one hand on the pommel (front of saddle) and one on the cantle (back of saddle) then put your foot in the stirrup and push your self up whilst swinging your right leg over (being careful not to kick the horse) then once your sitting up put your right foot into the other stirrup! Then ride!

Tacking up part 1 (bridle)

Take a look at the Parts Of A Bridle picture here before reading the steps so you know what it looks like and what the parts are. *photo from google images*

Step 1. Put your right hand between your pony's ears, (this stops him from raising his head) Gently guide the bit* into his mouth. * the Bit is the part of the bridle that goes in the mouth, take a look at the picture to see where it is and what it looks like.

Step 2. Carefully pull the ears under the headpiece* to move it into place. Always be gentle as some horses are highly sensitive around their ears and head. * the Headpiece is the part that sits behind the ears and the part in front of the ears is called a Browband. Look at the picture to see what they look like and how they are positioned:)

Step 3. Fasten the throatlash* -you should be able to fit four fingers between the throatlash and your ponys throat(this is so your pony doesn't choke!) * the throatlash is the part of the bridle that is under the pony's throat. You have to buckle this part of the bridle up. See what the throatlash looks like on the picture.

Extras: Other parts of the bridle may need to be adjusted to fit your horse. Other bridles may have slightly different techniques but as I said slightly, most bridles are simmilar. Also look out for part 2 on how to put a saddle on!