A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Your Horse's Gear

How to Remove Your Horse's Tack in Four Steps

Taking the gear off a horse is much simpler than putting it on, but you still need to follow safety measures to keep both you and the horse safe. Keeping your equipment tidy is also key. As a Pony Club graduate who has ridden and looked after horses since age five, I'll walk you through the exact steps below.

Defining "Tacking Up" and "Untacking"

• "Tack" is a term for any of the horse's gear, particularly the saddle and bridle.
• "Tacking up" means the act of placing the saddle, bridle, and other items on the horse to get ready for riding.
• "Untacking" is the removal of all gear from the horse once the ride is done.

1. Let Your Horse Cool Down First

• Before you end your ride, be sure to let your horse cool off completely.
• If your horse is very hot and sweaty, you might choose to get off, take off the saddle, and lead him on foot.

2. Take Off the Bridle

Before removing the saddle, always put the halter on the horse and secure him:

1. Lift the reins over the horse's head. That way, after you take off the bridle, you'll still have some control while you put the halter on.
2. Unfasten the noseband and the throat latch.
3. Stand on the left side of the horse's head, holding the halter in your left hand.
4. Grab the bridle at the crown (the top part) and gently slide it over the horse's ears.
5. Lower the bridle carefully so the bit doesn't hit the horse's teeth.
6. Put the halter on the horse and take the reins off the horse's neck.
7. Fasten a cross tie to each side of the halter, or tie the horse in a safe spot using a safety release knot.
8. Hang up your bridle immediately. Never leave it on the ground or in the aisle where the horse might get tangled. If you lack a hook or bridle rack in the aisle, they are simple to make!

3. Take Off the Saddle

1. If you haven't done so already, secure the stirrups.
2. Unbuckle the girth—start with the left side, then the right.
3. Set the girth on top of the saddle.
4. Go back to the left side of the horse and grab the saddle by the pommel and cantle (the front and back).
5. Lift the saddle up before pulling it toward you; avoid pulling it into the horse's spine. If you can't reach, ask for help.
6. Put the saddle on a saddle rack or out of the way, tipped onto the front of the knee rolls (but never flat on the ground).

Here are some safely rolled-up stirrup leathers. This keeps the stirrups out of the way so that they are less likely to catch on anything

montanabw, via wikimedia

4. Clean Up

Once the horse is turned out, come back to clean up and look after the tack. Always:

• wipe the bit with a clean damp cloth, and
• wipe down tack that touches the horse's skin, especially in sweaty spots like the girth.

Several times a month, clean your tack thoroughly with saddle soap so it doesn't cause sores on your horse, and condition your tack so it doesn't dry out and crack, which could create a safety risk.

Store your saddle and bridle in a clean, dry spot like the tack room. Be sure to flip the saddle pad over and place it on top of the saddle so it dries completely.