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 Location:   Starting Out | Getting On  

How to Use A Mounting Block

Use of a mounting block will reduce the strain on your horse's back while you are getting on as well as being a lot easier for you.

A well-mannered horse should stand quietly whilst you get on and not walk away until you ask him to.

Mounting 1

1. Find yourself an alert and willing mount.

-Mounting 2

2. Check the girth.
Mounting 3

3. Run down the stirrups and walk to the mounting block
Mounting 4

4. Put you left foot in the stirrup and have the reins gathered in your left hand.
Mounting 5

5. Hop on your right foot and swing your leg over the horses back, making sure your leg clears his bottom.
Mounting 6

6. Sit gently into the saddle and put your right foot into the stirrup.





Comments
If you have a specific tip, experience or comment relevant to this article please post a comment below.
We are unable to answer individual questions through the comments system. The New Rider Message Board is a better place to post specific questions.

Mossy   23rd Jan 01

Could you add " Recheck girth" Moss deflates once that last foot goes in the stirrup.

Randy Thomas   18th Nov 01

After the saddle, pad and girth are secure, I raise each of 'Goose's' front legs as it seems to pull out any 'pinches' in the pad that could irritate him

Jan   19th Nov 01

Thank you, Mossy, I recheck the girth every time I get on or put anyone else on a horse. But it is very easy to miss something, that I do automatically, when I write it all down.
Randy, personally I have never liked the idea of raising horses front legs to 'stretch' the skin. I have found it encourages some to paw the ground when you do up the girth. I alway put my fingers under the girth and just ease it away from the skin, allowing the skin relax back into place. back to

Janet Coe   9th Oct 02

Nice to know that you should use a mounting block but where can I get one?

Sally Oliver   15th Oct 02

Absolutely agree with Janet Coe. I have built a mounting block from breezeblocks, but it is unsatisfactory as the horses can damage their legs on the sharp corners. Where can one buy a plastic moulded one?? Have searched the Web to no avail!

Jenna   15th Jan 03

I find a good mounting block is a plastic bottle crate. Breweries use them for transporting beer, and they are light and stirdy, but finding one can prove difficult sometimes!

Jacqueline Crickson   17th Feb 03

We have just brought our ten year old daughter a 14.2h horse, could you please tell me if (and where) we would be able to buy a mounting block

many thanks

Laura Wall   30th Mar 03

You can just buy a step stool instead. That's what I use.

Charleymouse   2nd Apr 03

I heard that using a plastic milk bottle crate is bad as the horse can stamp on it and get stuck. this could cause untold amounts of damage to the horse or you!

I would use the breeze block as these will be less likely to be blown around the yard if they are situated out side.

chrissy   4th Apr 03

you should add to never pull on the saddle but to grab a bunch of mane so it doesn't pull on the horses withers.

Elisa Adam   4th Apr 03

The best mounting block is a bale of hay. You can stack 'em according to your height, and it never, ever harms the horse.



Janette Chapple   7th Apr 03

I use a mounting block, sold by 'Rideaway'. Its a lightweight moulded plastic 2-step stool, which means that it is easily transportable as well.


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