Mounting 1

Having checked the girth and stirrups we are now ready to mount. Your instructor will hold the horse steady to help you in the early lessons. Another pair of hands is always useful as they can help, by standing on the opposite side, and taking your weight on the saddle, as you mount, by holding the stirrup leather.

By tradition we mount from the left hand side of the horse. This is a throwback to when the military wore swords on their left hip and this way of mounting meant the sword didn't catch on the horse's back. It is useful to be able to mount (and dismount) from either side.

The photographs show Pam mounting Marmalade unaided.

Pam has her left hand on the reins which are short enough to have a light contact. She twists the stirrup iron clockwise to bring its far side towards her.

Pam's left foot is placed in the stirrup - be careful not to poke the horse in the side - he might move off. The left hand still has control of the reins.

If your horse is large you can help yourself by letting down the stirrup several holes until you can get your foot into it. You can adjust it back when safely on board.

Hop around until you are square onto the side of the horse. Pam's right hand now grasps the saddle near the front (pommel). The only contact with the ground is the ball of the right foot.

Next - Step 2.