Before the lesson

How to get your horse ready for the lesson

Before a Lesson

• Meet with coach in plenty of time before the start of the lessons

10 minutes before the start of the lesson the volunteer leading goes to the horse’s stable

• The horse should be tacked up, if you need any help with the tack, notify the coach or staff immediately
• Remove any rugs that have been put on over the horse, and place over the rug chains in the stable

Then check the tack as follows (leave the horse tied up at this point)

• Check the noseband
  At Diamond some of our horses have a cavesson noseband fitted to their bridle. See the picture on the left. However, a couple do have a drop noseband.  See the picture on the right.

• Check neck straps that attach to the saddle are done up
• Check the correct type of reins are in place (ask your coach if you are unsure)
• All straps are in keepers
• Girths are fastened to the same straps both sides
• Girth guard is in the correct position
• Girth correct tightness – tighten very gently, in stages & recheck often
• Check the polypad/numnah not bunched up under the saddle

Tack preparation for the Lesson

Reins

• Check the reins have been released from the throat lash
• Refasten throat lash, ensure its not twisted
• Ensure reins aren’t twisted
• Do not leave horses unattended once this has been done

Stirrups

• Pull stirrup irons down
• Pull buckle down approx. 5cm
• Cross stirrups over in front of saddle (left over right)

Girth

• Check girth tightness

If you have time

• Walk around the school on the track with your horse to help loosen the horse’s joints and muscles

Starting the lesson

When you are ready for your rider, go to the centre line and wait for instructions from your coach

Tack checks once rider is on

• Adjust length of stirrup for rider – see Best Practice Point
• Ensure stirrup buckle is pulled up to the stirrup bar
• Stirrup leathers not twisted and lying flat against leg
• Stirrup iron is on the ball of the foot
• Recheck the girth tightness

After the lesson

 Once rider has dismounted

• Run stirrup irons back up leathers
• Remove specialist tack and give back to the coach (or replace in the tack room)
• If your horse is being used in the next lesson or being ridden by staff
  • Leave tacked up
  • Twist & re-secure the reins in the throat lash
  • Loosen the girth so saddle can’t slip but the pony can relax
  • Tie up using lead rope and quick release knot

Where to tie up

• If you are tying up your pony, please ensure you tie the lead rope to either orange bailing twine, or a the black plastic connectors, not directly to the metal rings 
• If the pony is going to be used in the school for the next lesson they can be tied up in small school so long as there is at least 1 other pony in there. Ensure the gate is closed