What process is used for several days before a horse is to be saddled?

Sacking out is a process that introduces a horse to various stimuli, helping it to become more comfortable and confident with the equipment and environment before being saddled. This technique involves desensitizing the horse by using objects, such as blankets, saddles, or other gear, and gently placing them on the horse's body or moving around it.

The goal of sacking out is to reduce any fear or apprehension the horse may have regarding the sensation or sight of the saddle and other riding apparatus. By doing this several days prior to saddling, the horse can acclimate to these new sensations in a controlled manner, making the process of saddling smoother and reducing the likelihood of resistance or anxiety when the actual saddle is applied.

Other methods, like longeing, backing, and ground driving, serve different training purposes. Longeing is focused on developing the horse’s balance and obedience while moving in a circle. Backing involves training the horse to accept a rider, typically after it has been thoroughly prepared. Ground driving teaches the horse to respond to commands while being driven from the ground, further preparing it for riding. Each of these methods has its specific applications but does not primarily focus on the desensitization aspect integral to sacking