Mounting your Horse ~ Stirrups

Question

Ok, every time i mount my horse my left stirrup always ends up the wrong way round. I know you have to twist it clockwise but it never works!! Its so embarassing because i always have to ask. Please can someone go through it step by step???

Answer 1

Step1Take the reins in your left hand (drape the slack over the horse's right side). Grasp hold of the base of the horse's mane with your left hand as well.

Step2Use your right hand to turn the left stirrup iron toward you. Put your left foot in the stirrup, parallel to the horse's side.

Step3Grab the back of the saddle, or cantle, with your right hand.

Step4Bounce on the ball of your right foot.

Step5Push off with your right foot and put your weight on your left foot (in the stirrup), while simultaneously pulling on the saddle and the horse's neck.

Step6Balance on your hands and left foot in a standing position, then swing your right foot over the horse as you release your right hand from the saddle.

Step7Lower yourself gently into the saddle.

Step8Put your right foot in the stirrup and take up the slack in the reins

Answer 2

prepare to mount in the usual way.  the stirrup will be hanging alongside the horse.  with your right hand hand hold the side furthest away from you and turn it  towards you.  foot in and then mount, landing in the saddle gently.

have fun and practise mounting from the wrong side.  helps to stop  both of you getting one sided.  

from my riding school days.