Mounting

[--x--Jenny--x--]

Hi everyone

This is my first post so HI Everyone! I had my first riding lesson in about 5yrs today but I really struggled getting on from the ground. It's like I didn't have enough strength in my leg to lift me up.

Does anyone have any tips for how I can strengthen my legs so I can mount from the floor. Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me:confused:?

[Nazdaq]

I do! I am a short ass anyways and I don't want to pull on the tack too much or lean on the horse to get my heavy frame up there so I just mount from a fence or mounting block. I ride between 14hh and 15hh. :D

[wanabe]

I am 6' 1" but have trouble getting up on horses over 16 HH from the ground. One tip I read is to orient your body toward the rear of the horse when mounting and tilt backward (toward the front of the horse) to get your foot into the stirrup, then hop around to face the side of the horse and mount.

But I thought mounting from the ground put a strain on the horse -- which is a main reason for mounting blocks.

[Rhein]

It is a common problem for many people, and for all sorts of differing reasons.

Practice is the best thing really if you want to be able to mount from the ground. In time you will become better at it as your leg strength and "bounce" improve.

However, most people do tend to use mounting blocks out of choice these days anyway, as it is considered better for the horses back than mounting from the ground.

If you can't mount from the ground, don't worry about it. Plenty of us never do :)

[Gruntfuttock]

I don't get on from the ground. I am 5ft and the horse I ride is 17hh, so its never going to happen ! At my riding school, all pupils get on from a block, this saves our backs, the horses backs and strain on the saddles.

Riding in general will strengthen your legs, though. How was your lesson apart from the mounting problem?

[x.fat-pony.x]

I never get on from the ground - teenage arthritus stops me and also I don't think it's fair on the horses back.
Is there a mounting block you can use, or similar? I use an old chair from our farm, works wonders :)

[--x--Jenny--x--]

Lesson was fab! Forgot how much I enjoyed riding - think I might even buy a horse again (not any time soon but I love spending time at the farm). Glad I'm not the only one who uses a mounting block - felt like a bit of a muppet when I could get on - the mounting block is definately better than me dragging myself up (poor horse if I did). Thanks guys!!:D

[Welshgirl]

I too have trouble mounting, so always use a mounting block - or handy wall!
The only problem I would find is in some competitions it is required for the rider to mount from the ground, however, I think even then a 'leg up' is allowed. Also, it may be while out hacking there is nowhere to climb on so have to walk if you have a fall. I never dismount on a hack unless I can spy somewhere convenient to climb back on and don't worry about it one bit! We can't help it if we're short houses!

[jenmac_85]

I was always worried that I couldnt mount from the groud as if I came off during a hack while out alone I would have to walk the whole way back.

Doing squats against the wall and some powerwalking helps. Even an exercise trampoline if you have one.

I have manged to hop (well drag lol) myself on to my 16.2hh boy by lengthening his stirrups and getting a few good bounces in.

The squats do help though.

Jenny and Tyler
x

[coss]

practise on a 5-bar gate ;) i can just about get on a 16hh from the ground if i have to but i prefer to use a mounting block for the sake of the tack and horse's back. i can get on 14.2hh horses from either side - doubt i'd manage the bigger horses though