Hi! I just wanted to thank you! My mom is letting me get my own horse. And to prove i was ready i did research and showed her how to do everything like tacking up polo wraps jumping and cantering. And i learned it from your videos. So thank you very much! Cheyenne
This video is very good, needed it to remember which side the non elastic side goes on because I've used alot with both sides elastic and needed a refresher..I like this cause she speaks VERY clear and understandable and SHOWS you what shes doing! Thank you!
i watched this video over and over as a kid like 12 years ago to prepare for my first riding lesson (and yes, thanks to you i was a pro on the first try)
Thanks, I have what you call a 'girthy' horse and your advice is just right, although I also use plenty of praise too every time we tighten the girth. Also an elasticated girth is much more comfortable for the horse as there is less chance of it nipping. Well done for the video, you've been taught well (Nancy, UK, in the saddle for 42 yrs!)
Monday I'm getting my first riding lesson. I am exploring and getting to know everything about horses possible. Your video's will help me a great deal, so that Monday I can show that I know how to tack up a horse :) I like to be prepared, so thank you for sharing your knowledge!
I love the title, Help my Daughter Loves horses! I can just imagine my mom telling her friends about my horse obsession. Great video and great horse!!!:)
Hi Ali, you have probably gotten alot of comments from me! :) But I am a professional English rider and I always seem to encounter your videos! Obviously I don't need to know how to tack up its just you are a great teacher and I absolutely love your videos! :) You have helped me alot from when I started English riding! Thanks again! And keep up with the Great work!! :) -Mekayla
@MrTisaprano Congrats on the new horse!! Introducing yourself is actually pretty straightfoward. It's helpful to have a small treat that you know the horse likes (some like peppermints or carrots or apples). Approach the horse from the front so he can see you coming. First hold your empty hand out flat and let the horse sniff at it if he would like. Then place a small piece of the treat in your flat hand and offer it. After he takes the treat, see if he will let you stroke his cheek (CONT)
thank you for the video!!! i am about to take my first real horseback riding lesson, and this video has really helped, now i already know what to do :)
The best way is to know if a saddle fits your horse is to have a professional saddle fitter check it out. Saddle fitting is actually rather complicated to get completely right. But the idea is that you want to make sure it's not pinching his withers, that the channel (the groove on the underneath of the saddle) is clear and above his back, and that his shoulders are not restricted by the saddle flap. It fits you if your knees aren't over the knee rolls and if you can put a hand behind you. -Ali
Thanks for the video! Its a good step by step review of what I learned on my first horseback riding lesson:) Only it was shown to me too fast and this video I can pause and watch over if I have to:)
this video was really useful thank-you :D I've just started volunteering at my local equestrian centre and its helped me to understand more and remember what to do XD
@SuperHorsegirl2000 a martingale is to help you keep a horse's head down. A standing martingale attaches to a horse's noseband, and prevents him from being able to lift his head too high. A running martingale attaches to the reins, and creates a downward pull on the bit (rather than straight back) which also pulls the horse's head down. It's only useful if you have a horse who throws his head up to escape the bit, or threatens to rear. -Ali
(CONT) or the bridge of his nose. Horses only let you do this if they are comfortable with you. Other than that, grooming a horse and working with him on the ground (basic leading drills in a halter, asking him to move where you want him to go, stop at your shoulder etc) are great ways to get to know a horse better and build his confidence in you.
she's only 12 years old now so she's not that old but when i ride her she's fine and loves to canter and trot but she does kick and fly buck a lot but shes still amazing :) thank you
@ivory4ever100 When you've tacked up long enough, it does feel as though the saddle just has a right "place" that you can feel as you slide it down. The girth should be about a hand's width from the horse's elbow. -Ali
I get asked that a lot ;) Noah gets ridden in a western saddle sometimes by other people who aren't as comfortable on horses, but I never ride him myself in a western saddle. I've ridden western on other horses. -Ali
It's just preference, saddle type and horse shape that influence pad use--different setups require different pads. My saddle fitter said that a perfectly fitted saddle shouldn't need a pad at all--it's just to keep the saddle cleaner! -Ali
Sorry just thought I'd comment since I will be taking BHS level 2 in two years, BHS means British Horse Society, Level 1 can be the certificate for Horse Owners, Level 2 means that you can teach students, in dressage to novice level and in general, You take them at college, Its a college course depending on where you are, that teach you basic first aid and care etc.
I think it makes most sense to be a proficient rider before you buy your own horse. That means you should be able to walk, trot, canter, and gallop correctly, and perform at at least the novice level of your chosen sport. Then when you want to start really getting serious, maybe competing a lot, that's a good time to get your own horse. -Ali
@EVO1148 Actually, there are two ways to safely walk behind a horse. The first is what I do here, staying right next to him and keeping my hand on his rump so he knows where I am at all times. The second is to walk really wide around him, outside of kicking distance. -Ali
@Cedrick201 That's tricky, because it's dangerous if they bite. I'm glad that you have starting trying to correct the behavior with the whip, but you don't want to have to rely on that. I've started trying to use Buck Brannaman's training to correct horses--try having someone hold her lead rope when you put the girth on, and if she so much as turns her head toward you, make her walk in a circle the opposite direction she turned. If it's more work to misbehave, she'll be good ;) -Ali
@kaitrum1998 Direct pressure bits are always gentler than shank bits (for example a snaffle over a pelham or a kimberwick bit). Really thin bits or bits with edges are much rougher as well. Jointed bits are usually softer. You can even get rubber bits! -Ali
thanks this helps me so much! i had my first lesson yesterday and my instructer said im gonna tack up and groom a horse by myself and i forgot some things lols
@tomboy469 Calm horses often don't like to move quickly ;) A small riding crop can help, so you can just tap him to support your leg aid. Working on walk-trot transitions (which are easier) can also improve your canter transitions, as you get your horse moving freely and easily off your leg. The goal is to NOT have to kick your horse into the canter. As for jumping, take it slow and work up! The best way to build confidence is to be successful at little things first. -Ali
@EVO1148 All good advice ;) The idea is that the "never" may not be feasible. certainly if you're around an unpredictable horse, you'd want to minimize how often you're near the hind end!! And you're totally right--if it's possible, the safest place is outside the kicking zone. -Ali
@ellinor98 You English is fabulous ;) Anyway, you can work on her running away in the canter by doing lots of trot-canter-trot transitions--basically, stop her canter before she can work up speed. You can even do this on a 20 meter circle to keep her slow. As for avoiding the bridle, it helps to have someone around to help you. When she picks her head up, you can put pressure just behind her ears until she drops it a little. Reward her, then try again. -Ali
Thanks that was really helpful:) TIP: When you can, avoid going round the back of the horse, because it could kick and this is dangerous. Go under neath it's head, but still be careful. :)
@SuperHorsegirl2000 Well, I have seen a few western riders use standing martingales. I think they have a version called a "tiedown." But they probably are much more common in English riding. -Ali
@ya2feld I'm not sure... maybe it shortens the straps if the girth is too long? Or maybe they feel it gives extra support to the straps? I've never seen that done before. -Ali
You actually are supposed to start of the left side with the stretchy side because it's easier to pull it on the leather side that you can't pull, but that's just how I do it it might be different for you
@MsJaeRla That's a common problem, especially with school horses who all too often get their girths yanked around on them by kids who are still learning--you end up paying the price of what other people do to the horse :\ A good way to help out a horse who doesn't like his girth being tightened is to do it really slowly. Just put it on loose to begin with, then pick a hoof or something, then put it up another hole, then brush his mane, then put it up one more hole. That way, he never notices!
btw i found out wat the 2nd cinch/gerth is for. its not a spare girth, its to make the saddle more sturdy (i guess it helps when roping cattle) and so that the saddle shoulnt flap around wen galloping.
One of the horses i ride often is really girthy... She has no sores or anything but she just doesnt like it so i tend to use soft fleecy girths on her so it would be more comfortable for her to get used to. The reason she is like that is because she had a foal about nine months ago and her girth bone is still a little sore, i dont know if she should still be sore like that though, but the vet said shes fine to ride...
@ilovehorse4eva88 Well, it matters most what your horse needs. Some horses who are really bony might need extra padding. But it's not necessary for every horse. -Ali
That's a little like asking how much cars cost ;) Are you getting a new one? A used one? A fancy one? A economy one? Horses can be $500 off a racetrack or $500,000 or more for a high-bred, high-performing warmblood. All depends on what you're trying to buy. A decent school horse, however, will often be a several thousands of dollars, since he's well-schooled but usually not overly fancy. -Ali
Thank you! If you go to my website, under "Tack & Gear" there's a video on the differences between different kinds of saddles (Western and English ones)--that should answer your question ;) -Ali
Hi I'm a real horse lover I help round the stable and everything to be horsey but I'm struggling how to tie the lead rope if I have to get the tack or something so if u have time can u please make a video of it !Thanks if u do ! P.s I love your videos they really help me
@1directionstylesxxx Totally get your concern, but there are ways to walk behind a horse to minimize the danger of being kicked. The sure way to never be kicked is to never go near the hind end of the horse, but that makes it impossible to tack up. How else am I getting to his other side? It's much more dangerous to crawl underneath him or try to squeeze under his neck between him and the wall. Check out my vid on how to move around a horse--it might help. Hope that all makes sense ;) -Ali
What kind of saddle is that? I mean the brand. I'd love you to do a video on choosing the right tack for your horse: Choosing a bit, sizing a saddle, etc.
To frombehindthereins . . Hi the headcollar should be slipped down on the neck. That is correct BUT the lead rope should be UN-TIED from the ring on the wall and the rope should just be thread through it. Hope that helps
@kokolove101 I always use a dressage saddle for dressage and a jumping saddle for jumping. It's not really safe or practical to jump in a dressage saddle. As for training a green horse, that is a very, very complicated task! That would be hours and hours of video ;) As this site is geared more toward beginning riders than beginning horses, I'm afraid I'll have to point you toward a professional trainer for help with your green horse. -Alia
@SuperHorsegal123 You are most welcome!! I'm so glad these vids help. And yes, Noah's a Morgan, good eye! Aren't instructors funny how they forget what it's like to be a beginner...? Oh well ;) -Ali
Except that going under a horse's neck can be dangerous, too, because you can get trapped. According to pony club, you should either stay very close to the horse going behind him or far away out of hoof reach ;) -Ali
@fonjadidi Yeah, lots of people do that. You just have to be careful that it doesn't get caught when you're taking the saddle off. At least tuck it up over the saddle. -Ali
@ilovehorse4eva88 I'm nor sure what you mean... there's no real difference between this black pad and the white pad, if it is that to which you are referring? -Ali
Hi Ali, first of all thank you for making all of your videos because they have helped me at horse riding! I know this doesn't have to do with tacking up but when i go horse riding i ride this horse called Rolo who is really nice and calm but i find it hard t go into canter (i think my legs aren't strong enough) what should i do? p.s can you give me advice on how to get confidence to jump?
$100 would be a lot to spend on a saddle pad! You can get decent ones from horse.com that are under $30. The one in this video was a gift, but I think it was from Dover. -Ali
