Mounting issues

[kiwigirl]

Ok, help me here! I have been using a mounting block since beginning my lessons. Last week I attempeted mounting from the ground and just couldn't reach my leg up! I am 5ft 2 and my horse in 14.3 hands. I did put my stirrup down a couple of notches. Am I the only inflexible shortass! Any tips much appreciated - I think some leg stretching exercises might be in order!

[Nazdaq]

Me too, me too, me too! Same height as you and same pony height! I put my stirrup right down the lowest it will go, but still can't get enough omph to boost my fat ass up into the saddle! I am going to a new RI who actually DOES teach mounting from the ground and proper position (the other RS didn't!) so I will let you know any tips I get after my first lesson with her! :D

[Teehee]

I'd try lowering the stirrup as low as possible, then standing by his shoulder facing towards his butt... twist the stirrup towards you, then try getting the tip of your boot in it... once it's in... you can do little jumps turning towards the horses head & up you go...!!!

Hope it helps! ;)

[PonyGirlAsh]

I hate that...I hate hate hate getting on from the ground. If it is ever possible, I always get on from a block or some other tall object. I think my most beautiful display of mounting from the ground (most other attempts made me look like an idiot and had me hanging on the side of the horse, hating life) was when I fell on a trail when the horse I rode had spooked and pulled a bucking bronco. I was with a group and was completely embarassed, then more embarassed when I realized I would have to get back on. I did that hoppy thing on one leg and leapt for dear life, and really pulled it off!

Okay, I'm rambling now. Lemme look for a post I did on this a year or two ago and I'll post the link in a minute ;)

[PonyGirlAsh]

Okay, found it! I think this was my first post ever!! :D

http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44801

[Vicki&Milo]

Practise is the answer (and a patient horse).

When tryint to mount make sure someone has hold of your other stirrup and hold the mane and saddle not the saddle front and back. Bth of these prevent twisting the saddle and horses back.

I used t mount onto a 18.1hh shire x from the ground, with my stirrups prett much the right length (I am onyl 5ft6 so no giant), now I struggle to get on anything nigger than about 15hh off the ground, because my last RS made everyone get on off the block. Its all just habit, practise and stretching. Its not all felxiblity though, balance is important too. You might be able to stretch with both feet and arms secure but its a damn site harder witha moving target and one foot in the air.

Vicki xx

[mayoguinness]

Well I'm about 5ft maybe a bit less and when riding bareback I use a little stool to get onto my 15.2 arab and it doesn't bother me to much as long as he stays still and I have got on from the ground before and I don't mind except my saddle always slips round;)

[funkyfilly_sos]

Practise is the answer (and a patient horse).

Totally agree. Practise, Practise and practise.
When I first started mounting from the ground (after about 3 years being given a leg up (I was only young)) I found mounting impossible. One my first lesson which my teacher asked me to mount from the ground, I basically had to do a run and jump! :p
Basically, you have to stretch your leg muscles and bum muscles enough for them to stretch enough while you are mounting (and giving you the ability to place your leg high enough.) This can only happen through regualar practise or stretches before your lesson.

I'm 5.3ft and I can now mount 15.2hh horses from the ground thanks to a good old 3-5 years practise. Really it is the only answer.

To start with, get your stirrup as low as possible and stretch for it until you can actually reach the stirrup and mount safely (have someone holding te horse and the saddle to start with. Then eventually you can try mounting with the stirrup higher in the leather than before and eventually you'll be mounting easily!

Hope I've helped!
xxxKellyxxx