"Dear H&C, I am hoping to go and help out at my local riding stables, but they have said I will need to be able to tack up. How do I do this? Lisa."

H&C's Jenny Rudall BSc BHS Int SM replies: "Hi Lisa, firstly I would stress that you must ask them to show you how to do this safely and to let you know of any horses who nip when their girth is done up. Your safety must always come first. Watch my video below to find out how to tack up, and read the step by step instructions underneath."

Step one: Make sure the horse is tied securely and if no martingale is needed, place the numnah or saddle cloth on their back slightly above the whither. Then, place the saddle on top - gently pulling the front of the numnah into the top of saddle's pommel and slide it backwards into place. Attach the numnah straps to the saddle and attach the girth to the first and second or the first and third girth straps on both sides securing the saddle.

Step two: With the saddle in place, it is then time to fit the bridle. Approach the horse from the left and place the reins over his head. With the headpiece of the bridle in your right hand and the bit in the left, bring the bridle to the horse's head.

With the bit in your palm, place your thumb on the bars of the horse’s mouth and, when he opens his mouth, gently pull the bridle up and place the headpiece over the ears in one smooth motion.

The bridle should now be on and the bit should sit comfortably in the horse’s mouth with a couple of wrinkles in each corner. To secure the bridle, firstly do up the throatlash at the back of the horse's head allowing a hand width of room. Then, secure the noseband, running it under the cheek pieces on both sides and securing it at the back of the nose with two fingers width to spare.