However, a skilled rider can mount from either side of a horse. Once you learn to mount from the left side, it is important to learn to mount the right as well. Should you be in a dangerous situation, such as on a trail ride along a cliff edge, being able to mount and dismount from either side can keep you safe.
Repeatedly mounting without a block puts a lot of strain on one side of your horse’s back, so using a mounting block can help reduce that strain and protect their back, as well as your body. Mounting blocks also help train your horse to stand still and not walk away while you’re trying to mount. Mounting blocks typically come with either 2 or 3 steps. The 2-step blocks tend to be shorter and they work well for most adults. The 3-step mounting blocks are taller and allow shorter and taller riders to use the same blocks.
When you learn to mount on the right, you will start by the horse’s right front leg.
If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to ask a friend to hold your horse for you while you mount. Often during a lesson or at a horse show there will be someone available to hold your horse while you mount.
As you are standing there, you should be holding the reins in your left hand. Keep them tight enough that you can control your horse if it moves away, but be careful not to pull too hard on your horse’s mouth.
Lift your forward foot (the one closest to the horse’s head) into the stirrup, so that your weight is resting on the ball of your foot. If you’re mounting from the ground, you may want to drop the mounting stirrup several holes to make it easier to reach. You can then shorten your stirrup to the correct length once you’re sitting on your horse. If mounting from the right, you will put your right foot in the stirrup.
Avoid grabbing the back of the saddle, as it’s less secure and pulling on it can cause the saddle to slip. If the saddle is too high off the ground or if you don’t have enough stretch in your leg, lift your leg with your arm or have a friend do the same. You can also ask a friend for a leg up to help you mount. Have them interlace their fingers and create a “basket” for your knee. Put your your knee in their hands, and they can give you a boost onto the horse. Be careful not to bump or kick the horse with your foot as you swing it over the top.
Learning to do this properly may be slow-going at first, but over time you’ll be able to do this quickly and gently. Place both of your feet in the stirrups before you sit down. This will allow you to do a controlled sit and protect your horse’s back.
After you have mounted, you should also check your girth again before you set off. Then grab the reins properly in your hands and you’re ready to go!
Get proper safety equipment that is made for riding horses. Wearing a helmet for another sport, for instance, will not protect you as well as wearing a helmet meant to protect horse riders.
Trying to mount a horse with a loose girth can cause you and the saddle to fall to the ground. This is why it’s very important to check your horse’s girth before mounting. Many horses dislike the girth and will puff up their chests for a looser fit when you try to put it on. For this reason, you should check and adjust your girth as necessary 5-10 minutes after you’ve started your ride.
This method gives you a good foundation length, which can then be adjusted by a friend or yourself when you are in the saddle.
This method gives you a good foundation length, which can then be adjusted by a friend or yourself when you are in the saddle.
Having the horse look away from you will eliminate the chance of it biting you while you are trying to mount.
