Mounting Blocks

[Sp1cer]

Hi,

Ive just found a fantastic livery and a fantastic horse which Im getting vetted next week.

Thing is Im only 5ft 2 and the horse is 17hh and Im not as fit as I would like to be at the moment and have been looking for a large mounting block - anyone any idea where I can find one?

Pam

[Weekender]

Don't mean to spoil the excitement of new horse, but do you really need a horse that big ?

I have ridden 17hh horses in group lessons and hacks at riding school, and thoroughly enjoyed it. But wouldn't want to own one that big. If hacking out alone there won't always be a mounting block when you need one.

Also, theres the expense. Smaller horse, less feed, tack is cheaper

[Weekender]

Meant to add, that if you are determined then!

If you want something permanent, can be made of timber, floor joists for the uprights/ framing - floorboards for the tops. Don't use creosote as preservative in case horses chew it. Another alternative is bricks/building blocks. don't just stack them in case they fall over. Bond them properly with mortar.

Upturned plastic milk crates are effective - if using several to make steps or a really high block (you might need that !!!) they can be fixed together with nylon cable ties.

Alternatively, many tack shops sell portable plastic mounting blocks, which often incorporate storage under the steps. Check out mail order or internet.

Hope this is useful - good luck with the new horse.

[Sp1cer]

Hi,

Thanks for that, the reason we needed such a big horse is my partner will be riding it as well and hes 6ft 3 so we had been looking around for a horse between 15.3 & 16.3 and we found Murphy who is 17hh and it was love at first site!

I cant have a permanent mounting block as he will be housed in a livery. I found some really nice plastic 3 step ones, but they are all in America and wont ship over here! so Im looking for something that will be easy to move and I can keep it round the back and bring it out when I need it.

Pam

[LynneAC]

I've seen (and used) the portable step/stool thingys being used

http://www.ladderstore.com/acatalog/steps_kik2.jpg

As long as the surface is level they're fine (I've used one on rubber chips, it doesn't feel completely stable but I've never seen one tip over). I've got on a 17.2 hh with one (I'm 5'4"), I LOVE big horses and would much rather have a 17 hh than a 14.2 hh :) but then I guess that I've always ridden bigger horses I'm happier with them than ponies (I hate not having a 'neck' in front of me ESPECIALLY for jumping).

Isn't there a stirrup extension that you can use for hacking out? I'm sure that I've seen one somewhere (it fits to your existing stirrup and can be taken off once you've mounted) but I've never used one.

[Kj & Jemima]

There are stirrup extensions in the Robinsons Catalogue which are really useful

[Equisgurl]

Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16239&item=3682774669&rd=1

You can find those steps at hardware stores, my dad has several and uses them to reach places when building something.

[hus&wp]

Hey,

Schniders saddlery
1) just go here http://www.sstack.com
2)on the left hand side click on "stable supplies"
3)on the left hand side click on "Barn/trailer products"
4)on the left hand side it will give you three bullets click on "other"
5) there are 7 pages go to the 4 one there are nice 3 step blocks

and since your outside the US the # will be: 1-440-543-2700

hope this helps!!!!! Good luck with your new horse!!!!!!!!

~Christina

http://www.geocities.com/plhorses07/