1. English Tacking Certification written portion

2. Vocabulary Girth Girth The English word for a cinch, a piece of equipment that is used to hold the saddle on the horse’s back.The English word for a cinch, a piece of equipment that is used to hold the saddle on the horse’s back. Billet Strap Billet Strap Straps on an English saddle located under the saddle flap used to buckle the girth to the saddle.Straps on an English saddle located under the saddle flap used to buckle the girth to the saddle. Saddle Pad Saddle Pad A piece of equipment used under the saddle to cushion and protect the horse. Includes girth/billet loopsA piece of equipment used under the saddle to cushion and protect the horse. Includes girth/billet loops

3. Parts of an English saddle

4. Putting on the Saddle Pad Start by showing the pad to horse, then place the saddle pad on the middle of the horses neck, sliding it back into place. This way all the hairs on the horse’s back are facing the same direction. Make sure saddle pad covers the withers completely. Make sure saddle pad covers the withers completely. If the horse has low withers place a half pad on top of the part of the saddle pad that covers the withers. If a horse has a swayed back place a riser pad on top of the saddle pad in the middle of the horses back.

5. Putting on the Saddle Make sure both of the stirrups are up Hold the pommel of the saddle in your left hand and the cantle in your right hand Show the saddle to the horse, then place the saddle gently on the horses back, lined up with the withers

6. Putting on the Girth Buckle the elastic side of the girth to the lowest hole of the two outside billet straps on the left side of the saddle. Standing at the shoulder of the horse facing the tail, reach under the horse with the top of your right hand rubbing the girth area, and grab the girth, keeping it in contact with the horse. The girth guide loops will help hold the girth in place. Buckle the other side of the girth to the same two outside billet straps on the right side of the saddle, using the third or fourth hole.

7. Tightening the Girth 1st When you put on the saddle 2nd After you walk out of the breezeway 3rd The instructor will tighten the cinch for last time before the student gets on. If you are riding, you will tighten it before you get on.

8. Things to Remember: Completely groom the horse before tacking. Put all tack on from the left side when working with the student Show the tack to the horse, then place tack on the horse’s back slowly & gently

9. Safety Rules Keep the tack off of the ground Never wrap the reins around your hand Tack only when given permission & supervised by staff If you are having a hard time with something ask staff for help

10. Quiz Please complete this short quiz and bring it with you to the barn! THANK YOU! Thank you for volunteering your time and energy. Courage Reins could not run without volunteers like you!