How do you mount a horse?

Question

I've recently started taking horseback riding lessons! It's great, it's been a while and I love it. I am currently riding a haflinger and I can mount him fairly easily. But I'm a very inflexible person and it's still a challenge. I'm not going to be riding him later on and I'll be on much taller horses. So how do you mount your horses? Do you have to stand on something or get a boost up? And does it get easier over time or no?

Answer 1

you should use a mounting block, its alot easier on you, as well as the horses. Its actually very bad for their back to mount from the ground!  

Answer 2

Use a mounting block. It's so much easier! and it's better on the horses back. and mounting on a block is something you g et used to quicker and its very easy.

Answer 3

http://www.western-saddle-guide.com/moun...

Answer 4

Yeah it does get easier over time.

I found it's way easier to get on from the ground if you stand facing the opposite direction as the horse and then put your foot in the stirrup. That's just what I found, maybe it's just me.

If you can't mount from the ground, just use a mounting block.  

Answer 5

I use a mounting block. It's just easier. I'm not flexible either, and my jeans are always a little tight because I use it as a motivation to lose weight. With that combo, it's just easier to use a mounting block.

Answer 6

The first few times you mount have someone hold the horse's head so that it stands quietly. You can, and should be able to mount from the ground but a mounting block makes it easier for you, is better for your saddle and is easier on your horses back. If your horse is tall and your legs shorter you can drop the stirrup a few notches so that you can reach it with your toe. Don't forget to readjust it to proper length once mounted.

It is traditional to mount a horse from the near side. But you should be able to mount from the off side as well.

Start Safely

Lead your horse out of the stable. It is unsafe to mount a horse in a confined area with low roofs or doorways. If you are riding English, run the stirrups down the leathers so they are hanging free.

Answer 7

Normally there is something called a mounting block which is a big block of wood that you stand on to mount your horse. For me it took a while to get used to mounting a horse but it does get easier.

Answer 8

My horse is also short. When I get on a tall horse I make sure he/she stands still, then I actually take my hands to lift my left foot up to the stirrup. After its in securely I grab onto the horn, jump and haul myself up with my arms at the same time. XD Fun.

Answer 9

I have a big horse and I use a mounting block. If I have to get off when we are out I find a handy fence or whatever to stand on.

I can get on from the ground if I have to but it puts extra strain on the saddle and the horse's back to do that anyway. I just drop the stirrup by about 2 or 3 holes.

Answer 10

You can use a mounting block, you can get a good heavy one made for horses, but a plastic stool-type thing from Wal-Mart works fine too. If you can't use a mounting block, you could try putting your foot on a fence. Ask your instructor for a leg up. And yes, it does get easier over time

Answer 11

I second the mounting block. It is bad for the horse's back to mount from the ground, and you have a higher risk of the saddle slipping, especially on a flat-backed horse like a Haflinger.

It is important that you enforce the horse standing still during and after mounting. Too many accidents have happened from the rider being unstable and the horse bolting off right after they mount and the rider being injured.

It is important to know HOW to mount from the ground because you never know if circumstances may require it. But using a mounting block is the best way, no matter how tall the horse is.

Answer 12

I'm pretty stiff too, I use a mounting block.  For my extra tall horse, and in the future for my extra extra tall one, I will get up on the bed of a truck, hood of a car, fence, my smaller gelding (which is an odd image, but effective), a low tree branch, etc.  Because of his height and the way he's shaped, there is no such thing as a tall enough mounting block.  Even if I can get my foot in the stirrup and start to swing over with a mb, he's so round around the middle that the saddle goes sideways.  So much fun.

Answer 13

usually use a mounting block  

Answer 14

You have to be really careful to mount a horse. Its easier to use a mounting block. You should always mount from the horse's left side. Grab your reins and some of your horse's mane in your left hand, and put your right hand on the back of the saddle. Then put your left foot in the stirrup facing you, and use your arms and your left leg to get yourself up, and swing your right leg over his rump. Be really careful not to kick him in the rump, alot of horses spook at that. Gather your reins and then put your right foot in it's sturrip.

Answer 15

why a taxidermist will take care of that hahaha jk I'm not sure