SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Step 1: Check the Bridle.
 

Before starting make sure the headstall is correctly adjusted and attached to the but, also the curb chain should be behind the bit. If you use a snaffle bit make sure the reins are attached above and behind the safety strap that connects the rings.

Step 2: Prepare the Horse.

Untie your horse before removing the halter, don't leave the horse fastened up with the crown piece fastened around it's neck as this is extremely dangerous. Undo the halter and slip the noseband off the horse's nose. Refasten the crown piece around the horse's neck. Don't leave the horse loose as it could run away.

Step 3: Bridling your Horse.

Stand close to your horse on the left hand side near the throatlatch. Keep the lead rope in contact with your body but without wrapping it around your hand. Loop the bridle and reins over your arm to keep them off the floor out of the dirt and away from the horse's feet. Hold the crown of the headstall and spread it with your fingers. If you are tall enough reach over the horse's head (if not hold the crown piece in front of the horse's face allowing it to hand downward with the bit just below the muzzle) Don't rub the headstall over the horse's eyes. Use your other hand open flat to hold the mouthpiece, use your little finger to hold the curb strap away and behind the bit. A well accustomed horse with open it's mouth straight away and accept the bit willingly. If it refuses the bit press your thumb on the bar space behind the horse's incisors to encourage the horse to open it's mouth. Once you have inserted the bit lift the bridle upwards (make sure the bit is over the tongue). Move the crown piece over the ears individually by gently bending them forward. Once the headstall is in place fasten the throatlatch.

There are three points that should be avoided :

    - Knocking the teeth with the bit.

    - Handling any part of the horse's head aggressively.

    - Dragging the cheek pieces over the eyes.

Step 4: Adjust and Check the Bridle.

Make it a custom to check the bridle again just before you start riding. There are 4 places to check for the adjustment :

    - Bit Placement. (Should be high enough to create a slight wrinkle in the corners of the mouth.)

    - Curb Strap. (Should be loose enough for two fingers to slide easily between the strap and the horse's chin.)

    - Throatlatch. (Should be just loose enough to allow room for bending and flexing.)

    - Ear piece or browband. (Should rest comfortably around the ears and above the eyes.)

Step 5: Undo your horse.

Once you are sure the horse is correctly bridled you can undo the halter from the horse's neck, remember to leave them somewhere handy for when you return from your ride.

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