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Checking Your Tack before Saddling Up

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Updated:  
2016-03-26 17:35:34
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Horseback Riding For Dummies
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Before you mount a horse, do a quick check of your tack to ensure everything is in good working order and attached to the horse properly. To stay safe in the saddle take a look at the following details:

  • Examine the bridle to make sure all the buckles and screws are securely fastened and that the leather isn’t unduly worn.

  • Examine the cinch (on a Western saddle) or girth (on an English saddle) to make sure the leather isn’t worn and prone to breaking under pressure and that knots and buckles are securely fastened. Also ensure your cinch or girth is snug.

  • For Western saddles, inspect the stirrup buckle to make sure it’s not loose. On English saddles, make sure the stirrup leathers are securely buckled and positioned on the stirrup bar.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Audrey Pavia is the former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine and an awardwinning freelance writer specializing in equine subjects. She has authored articles on various equine topics in a number of horse publications, including Western Horseman, Horses USA, Thoroughbred Times, Appaloosa Journal, Paint Horse Journal, Veterinary Product News, and USDF Connection magazines. She has written five horse books besides Horse Health & Nutrition For Dummies, including Horses For Dummies, 2nd Edition (Wiley), Horseback Riding For Dummies (Wiley), and Trail Riding: A Complete Guide (Howell Book House).
In addition to her experience as an equine writer, she’s also a former Managing Editor of Dog Fancy magazine and a former Senior Editor of the American Kennel Club Gazette. She has authored more than 100 articles on the subject of animals and has written several books on various kinds of pets.
Audrey has been involved with horses since the age of 9. She has owned and cared for horses throughout her life, and has trained in both Western and English disciplines. She currently participates in competitive trail riding. Audrey resides in Norco, California.