Bridling And Saddling Your Horse

Equestrian - Bridling and Saddling tips

Ever wondered how to properly put on a saddle and bridle on your horse? Here are some guidelines that can help you.

The bridle is a tool designed for directing the horse. It includes the bit, the attached reins, and headstall.

Bridling

Bridling the equine should be uncomplicated. Loosen up the bridle before putting it on the horse. You would want the horse’s head to go into the bridle without too much effort. When bridling, it is best that the equine is untie. Never ever tie the horse solid specially if you’re still unfamiliar with the animal as it can get spooked and do something that’s scary and dangerous. You would want to make sure that equine has the comfort to move a bit.

Always take the reins into account when bridling. It’s a good idea to lay them properly on your arms or your equine’s neck. Avoid stepping on them and get them damaged or broken. Especially if they are expensive. Be sure that the headstall is double-checked and detangled.

Even though you can bridle on the right side of the equine, it’s best to do it on the left side because it is where the clasps are.

Reach over the opposite side of the equine’s neck with your right arm. Use your left hand to open up the bit and grab the top part of the bridle with your right hand. Come over the equine’s head with the bridle and the equine will take the bit automatically when you are holding it open correctly.

Since you have loosened the bridle, it will easily fit the horse’s head and all you have to do is to fasten things suitably.

How to Saddle your Horse

Before putting on the saddle, be sure that horse is desensitized of all the stimuli involved with the task. You can do this while putting the saddle blanket on and off repetitively until the horse is used to it.

The first to put on when saddling is the saddle blanket. Place the saddle blanket on top the equine covering its withers. You can have two blankets if you prefer. Just make sure that it is properly placed.

Next is the throwing of saddle. If you are smaller in stature, throwing in the saddle can be quite a task but not impossible. Experienced or not, always make sure that cinches, girths, and leather are set and ready before throwing in the saddle.

Standing beside the animal’s shoulder, throw the saddle high enough so that all of the gear that should go over the equine’s body will actually do. Use momentum to throw the saddle up but make it drop on your equine’s back as gentle as possible. You would want it to be a smooth process and without startling the equine. This is why desensitization is vital.

Technique and practice are important factors in horsemanship. Remember that bridling and saddling your equine can only be perfected through repetition.