Preparing to Mount

We now come to the time to get onto your horse. Many riding schools will use a mounting block to help you and the horse with mounting. This can be anything from a simple set of portable wooden steps to a convenient low wall or a purpose built area in the yard with a raised surface. The aim is to raise you 12 to 24 inches off the ground and so reduce the height to get onto the horse's back.

There can be a considerable sideways pull on the saddle when you mount which over time can strain the horse's back. Mounting blocks help reduce this strain especially for school horses who have to cope with lots of wobbly beginners and they make it much easier for you to get on.

It's a great benefit if you are able to get on from ground level without a block as a you can't rely on finding a suitable aid when out riding away from the school.

But before all this there are several important thing to do,

Checking the girth
Adjusting the stirrups

At this stage you will not be expected to know how to place a saddle into the correct position on a horse's back - we will assume this has been done for you but we have a guide on how to do this.