Even though you may know how to tack up in a logical, methodical sort of way, actually getting the job done with a live animal, that doesn't necessarily agree about the tacking up bit, can be difficult. If you are new to it, you'll likely have shaky hands, the horse will spit out the bit, spook at the saddle and stand on your foot. All this while you're trying to look confident as the whole looks on furtively to sus out just how much you really know about horses.
The thought of riding a horse can be nerve racking enough without the added trauma of tacking up. So, if you want to give yourself an easier time, separate the two into distinct stages. If you worry about tacking up, and know it will take ages, make you nervous and bad tempered, and on top of all that you worry about looking stupid in the yard, first of all, take it slow.
So, decide for a while that all you're going to do is tack up. Take it slow. If you can, tack up in the stable, so there's no audience. Groom and talk to your horse first so she doesn't pick out your nervousness. Make this days target to just tack up. Don't even think about a ride afterwards. When you've become more confident about getting ready, then will be the time start thinking about riding. Too much all at once, if you're not used to it, will leave you frustrated and demotivated.
One of the best pieces of advice I came across when I first started riding was to go slowly and take a step back when things got difficult or tense. Don't push yourself to do things you're not confident with. Take a step away, and then approach it again another day. If just getting the bridle on is enough for you, just do that. Don't worry about the saddle, leave it for another day. Taking it slow, taking your time, not stressing yourself out, will in the end make you much more confident than pushing yourself to do things that scare you all the time. Don't feel the fear and do it anyway. Step away from the fear, then take a small step back another day. Stressing yourself out tacking up won't help you be a better rider, it will guarantee a bad relationship with your horse. Get the relationship with your horse right first. Get to know her through your leading and grooming and tacking up, believing in the end that if you takes things slow you will get there quicker in the end.
Linda James is a mature horseback rider, who learnt to ride later in life. She writes about horses and horse riding at http://jodders.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_James
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