How to Tack a New Horse

Making a new horse comfortable in it's new surrounding is very important. The horse will not be itself if it is not comfortable. Properly tacking a new horse is also important. Riding the horse will be very difficult if it is not carefully tacked and broken in.

• Build a trusting relationship with the new horse. The horse needs to know that it can trust its owner before the owner should attempt to ride the horse.


• Put a halter on the horse. This will help when it comes time to ride the horse.


• Clean the horse's hoofs. This can be done by using a hoof stick. Simply pick out the dirt that is in the hoofs gently but consistently.


• Brush the horse with a horse brush. Start at the neck and go down toward the horse's bottom. Use a firmer brush to brush the mane and tail, as they can sometimes be difficult to detangle.


• Wash the mouth, eyes and nose of the horse with a soft rag.


• Apply the saddle pad. A saddle pad will act as a shield for the horse's back and coat.  Riding a horse without a saddle pad could harm the horse or make it uncomfortable.


• Saddle the horse by slowly placing the saddle on the horse's back.


• Dangle the saddle strap down on one side of the horse. Reach on the other side and strap the saddle firmly. If it is not strapped firmly, it could slide off of the horse causing the rider to have an injury.