An essential factor to be taught when studying to experience is methods to mount your horse. Each time doable you need to all the time use a mounting block to get on. This isn’t solely simpler for the rider but in addition and most significantly implies that the method will put a lot much less pressure on the saddle and the horse’s again. Mounting from the bottom causes the horse to need to shuffle their stability to offset the rider’s weight as they get on however can even trigger the saddle to slide, twist and pull in opposition to the horse’s withers. One other downside is that the continued stress on the stirrup leathers could cause them to stretch. To keep away from this you need to swap them over recurrently. The textbooks all the time state that the horse needs to be mounted from the nearside nevertheless the explanation for this isn’t clear, maybe simply custom. Present analysis and lots of again specialists recommend that you need to educate your horse to be mounted from each side and alternate ceaselessly. That is to stop asymmetrical muscle growth and repetitive pressure brought on by mounting regularly from one facet.
Earlier than trying to mount your horse it is very important examine that your girth is sufficiently tight to stop your saddle from slipping when your weight is within the stirrup. If mounting from the nearside then face the facet of the horse, degree with the saddle and take your reins into your left hand. Utilizing your proper hand slip your left foot into the stirrup, turning the stirrup iron in direction of you in a clockwise route. Guarantee that the ball of your foot is on the stirrup. Then take the pommel of the saddle (the entrance) in your left hand and the cantle (the again) in your proper hand. Get up within the stirrup, releasing your proper hand and swinging your proper leg over the saddle. Be sure to sit down within the saddle very evenly. It is crucial to not plonk your self down on the horse’s again as their muscle mass are usually not but warmed up and it will likely be uncomfortable. Place your proper foot into the opposite stirrup then lean forwards and examine your girth by placing your fingers round it to see how a lot room there’s. Whether it is unfastened then raise your leg forwards and pull the girth straps to regulate it. Now that you simply’re snug and so is your horse, you’ll be able to ask the horse to maneuver forwards.