Western Tacking Certification written portion

Vocabulary-Western Cinch A piece of equipment that is used to hold the saddle on the horses back. Latigo A long strap on the left side of the saddle that ties the cinch in place. Short Latigo A short strap on the right side of the saddle to which the cinch buckles.

Vocabulary Stirrup The part of the saddle where the rider puts his/her feet. Pommel The swell at the front of the saddle to which the horn is attached. Cantle The back of the seat on a saddle.

Vocabulary Saddle Pad A pad used under the saddle to protect the horses back. Riser Pad A pad used on top of a regular saddle pad for horses with sway backs. It lifts the back of the saddle. Half Pad A pad used on top of a regular saddle pad for horses with low withers. It raises the front of the saddle.

Things to Remember: Always tack ONLY after the horse has been groomed first Put on all tack from the left side when working with the students. Show the tack to the horse first, then place tack on the horse’s back slowly & gently

Putting on the Saddle Pad Start by showing the pad to the horse, then placing 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 If the horse has high withers place a cut back pad instead. Check with the barn manager is you have a question. The pad should never go beyond the flank.

Putting on the Saddle Place the right stirrup over the horn of the saddle 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 Put the stirrups down and make sure no straps are stuck underneath the saddle

Putting on the Cinch Buckle the cinch to the short latigo so that the middle of the cinch is two inches to the right of the middle of the horses belly. On the left side, facing the horse’s tail, rub down the cinch line of the horse with the top of your left hand, reaching under to grab the cinch, all the while keeping in contact with the horse. Pull the cinch under the horses belly and run the long latigo through the ring on the cinch. Make sure you keep your hand or the cinch touching his belly at all times so you don’t surprise him. Loop the latigo back up through the ring on the saddle, then down through the cinch and back up through the ring on the saddle a second time.

The “Texas T Knot” Take the end of the latigo and cross it in front of the loops going from the direction of the horse’s head toward his tail. Run the latigo back up through the ring on the saddle. Like a tie, take the latigo back down through the cross you just made.

Tightening the Cinch 1st When you put on the saddle 2nd After you’ve walked the horse 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.

Tightening the Cinch Before you ride, the cinch should be tight enough that you can only fit one flat hand in sideways between the cinch and the horse

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

Extra Credit

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!