| Over the years, many of us have seen movie | | | | bridled when you mount, not tied to a fence. When |
| examples of actors climbing onto their horses. Unless | | | | you're riding English, your stirrups are on the shorter |
| their role in the movie was comic relief, the act of | | | | side, which puts them higher. English riders can mount |
| getting on a horse is as easy and natural-looking as | | | | from the ground, though you may want to use a |
| reaching for your coffee cup for another sip. For | | | | mounting block to get a leg up. A mounting block is a |
| beginners, though, hauling your body up and into a | | | | 1-to-2-foot high wooden or plastic platform that has |
| saddle can be a challenge. Doing it right requires a | | | | two or three steps. If you don't have access to an |
| little preparation and practice. | | | | artificial aid, use your environment to help you mount |
| Telling is sometimes a poor substitute for showing. In | | | | from the ground. Position your horse on a slope so |
| this case, however, visualizing the process yourself | | | | he is downhill from where you're standing to mount. |
| by reading step-by-step instructions can teach you in | | | | The higher ground effectively makes you taller and |
| mental images that will move as slowly as you need | | | | shortens your reach to the stirrups. If you find other |
| them. In the few paragraphs below, I will describe | | | | objects along the trail to remount like logs, boulders, |
| the steps to check your horses position, your | | | | or fence posts, be sure it is stable, and can support |
| equipment, a safe place to mount, and numbered | | | | your weight. |
| directions to safely complete getting onto your horse. | | | | English Mounting Directions |
| While these instructions follows an English style of | | | | 1. Lead the horse to the area where you want to |
| mounting, all new horse riders will learn essential | | | | mount. |
| checks and procedures to be sure their ride begins | | | | 2. Position the mounting block, or stand on higher |
| smoothly. Well begun is half done. | | | | ground from the horse's ground level. Place it next to |
| Checking Tack | | | | the saddle, about a foot from the horse's left side. |
| Whether you ride English or western style, you must | | | | 3. Place the reins over your horse's head and rest |
| check your tack (your horse's equipment) before you | | | | them on his neck. Stand at the horse's left shoulder, |
| mount the horse. Be sure everything is in proper | | | | facing the side of the horse. The reins should be in |
| working order and securely attached to the horse | | | | your left hand. Grab a handful of mane at the base |
| before you get on. To check your tack, follow these | | | | of the horse's neck with the same hand. By the way, |
| steps in any order: | | | | never release the reins while you're mounting. It's all |
| *Examine the bridle. Make sure all the buckles are | | | | part of keeping the horse under your control at all |
| securely fastened and that the leather isn't unduly | | | | times. |
| worn in any particular spot. | | | | 4. Using your right hand, grasp the stirrup iron and |
| *Examine the girth that holds the saddle in place for | | | | turn it toward you, then place your left foot in the |
| excessive wear. Look at the leather straps that | | | | stirrup. |
| attach the girth to the saddle to make sure they are | | | | 5. Swing onto the saddle grasping the hind part of |
| not worn and prone to breaking. While you are riding, | | | | the saddle, or cantle, with your right hand. Bounce on |
| there will be a lot of extra pressure applied to those | | | | your right leg two or three times, then launch |
| areas. Be sure the buckles or knots are fastened | | | | yourself up into the air. Hoist yourself up using the |
| securely. | | | | power from your leg more than the strength of your |
| *Check the girth for a proper fit. Before you put | | | | arms. Swing your right leg over the horse's |
| your foot in the stirrup to get on, check your girth | | | | hindquarter, being careful not to touch it, landing |
| one more time. It should be snug, and securely | | | | gently in the saddle. |
| holding the saddle in place. | | | | 6. Place your right foot in the stirrup and adjust your |
| Choosing a Mounting Location | | | | reins. Finally, don't squeeze the horse with your legs |
| Stunt men and movie actors aside, ordinary riders | | | | as you get your foot into the right stirrup. You may |
| need a safe place to mount. Choose a place where | | | | accidentally cue the horse to go forward before |
| you have plenty of room to maneuver yourself into | | | | you're ready. |
| the saddle, making sure the horse is comfortable so | | | | This protocol is well established in the English horse |
| he will stand still. Be sure that your chosen spot isn't | | | | community. Equestrian fore-bearers have developed |
| near an open gate or a barn door lest he absently | | | | this approach that has withstood centuries of time. It |
| moves through it as you attempt to mount him. | | | | is probably the safest and easiest way to get onto |
| Remember, too, that your horse should already be | | | | the back of a horse. |