Introduction- When you're an equestrian you should know how to groom and tack up a horse. It is very important to do these tasks before riding your horse, because if you do not do these tasks there's a risk that your horse could be uncomfortable and irritated and sometimes well get health issues. Some examples on what your horse can get if you don't groom them or bathe them is (rain root, colic, or thrust.) These can all be fatal health problems to horses and if it doesn't get treated, it can be deadly.
Why- The reason why you should ALWAYS groom and tack up your horse before you ride is because if you don't groom your horse they may have extra dirt and debris in their coat which may cause irritation and be uncomfortable when the saddle and tack is on your horse during the ride.
Grooming-
- Step 1~ tie your horse up to a post make sure that they are wearing a halter.
- Step 2~ Grab a curry comb and rub in a circular motion on your horse don't do the legs or face this tool will get mud off.
- Step 3~ Get your hard brush and do flick motions all over your horse to get the dirt and loose hair off don't go on legs or face only if needed!
- Step 4~ Take your soft brush and brush everywhere on your horse this brush will get the dust out of your horse's coat.
Tacking up-
- Step 1~ Grab a saddle pad and put it up on your horse's back make sure it's not to far back, it should sit nicely on top of the withers (withers is the highest point on a horse its at the bottom of the neck it looks like a bump)
- Step 2~ If your horse needs a bumper or half pad put that on top of the saddle pad
- Step 3~ Take your saddle and lift it gently up onto your horses back this should rest nicely on top of the saddle pad and half pad
- Step 4~ Find a girth then lift up the flap on your saddle and buckle the girth on the 1st and 3rd strap, then go to the other side of the horse bring the girth under the belly and lift up the other flap and buckle it on so the saddle will not move or slide
- Step 5~ Get your horses all purpose boots or whatever type of boots they wear on their legs
- Step 6~get your horse's bridle (if your horse has any type of martingale or breastplate get that too and put it on before the bridle) then put the bridle on and you're ready to ride!.
Grooming-
Tacking up-
Videos-
Conclusion-In conclusion always remember to groom your horse before you tack up. Because it will make your horse happy and healthy. There are different types of Riding for example (English, Western, Dressage,Jumping, Vaulting, saddle seat, racing, polo, and bareback.) And not every equestrian have the same ways they groom their horse. Their are so many types of brushes and tools that are for all types of horses different sizes, colors, and breeds.