Why do riders mount the horse from the left side?

Question

Why do riders mount the horse from the left side?

Answer 1

Only right handed riders do.

Answer 2

You are taught to always mount a horse or pony from the "near" side or the animal's left side. The right side of a horse or pony is considered the "off" side.

Here are more opinions and answers from other FAQ Farmers:

Left foot goes in left stirrup, swing the right leg over.

You get on the left side of a horse, but it depends on the type of horse you have. Sometimes if you get on the wrong side, it will either try to kick you or it will run away.

Mounting from the left or near side of the animal has its roots back in war, when horses were ridden by soldiers armed with swords. In order to avoid any potential debilitating incidents before engaging the enemy, riders would mount from the side where the sword would not impede the process. As most people would use a sword with their right hand, the scabbard hung on the left, so the left foot went into the stirrup on mounting. Most traditinal english riding has its roots back in the cavalry so this procedure of "always mount from the left hand side" has become, if you like, misinterpreted. Horses should be trained so that they accept mounting from either side. This is something that the animal can easily understand and accept. It is also useful to maintain the riders flexibilty if he/she can mount from the left and the right side.

Answer 3

The custom of mounting a horse from the left side has really nothing to do with the horse's preference.

The custom probably began hundreds of years ago when men wore long swords on their belts. A man's sword hung down his left leg, making it easier for him to pull it out quickly with his right hand.

Because of the sword's position, it was easier for the rider to throw his right leg across the horse's back. That way, the sword wouldn't interfere with the rider's leg as he mounted.

Even though riders today do not wear swords, the custom has lasted through the years, and when horses are trained, they are trained to accept riders mounting from the left. A rider mounting from the right could confuse or startle the animal.

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Answer 4

Horse riding is a common sport in all the countries of the world. Interestingly, people mount a horse from the left side.

The custom of riding a horse from the left is many centuries old. There are many interesting stories as to how it came into practice.

Hundreds of year ago horses were used during wars. And in those wars sword was the main weapon. A man's sword hung down his left leg, making it easier for him to pull it out quickly with his right hand.

Because the sword's position was on the left, it was easier for the rider to throw his right leg across the horse's back. This prevented the sword from interfering with the rider's leg as he mounted on the horse. And so the riders started riding a horse from the left side.

Even though horse riders today donot have swords, the custom has lasted through the years. And when horses are trained, they are trained to accept riders mounting from the left. So, today a rider mounting from the right could startle the horse.