Page 563 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• Walk the horse around and tighten the girth progressively during this period.

• Avoid over-tightening the girth as this will increase the discomfort and may affect the
VetBooks.ir • horse’s breathing.

Make sure the horse stays warm whilst waiting to be ridden.

• Lead the horse around or lunge it with the tack on for a few minutes prior to mounting.

• Once mounted, the rider should lower their weight gently into the saddle. Some horses
are more comfortable if the rider stands up in the stirrups for a short period before sitting

down.
• If possible, going downhill should be avoided at the start of the ride.

Figure 12.19 a) Anatomical or comfort girth