Anyone else have trouble getting on?

[bluejules]

I'm getting really annoyed with myself. After 30-odd years of desperately wanting a horse of my own, I finally got one (well, two actually!) almost two years ago, only to find that I had become a complete wimp. My cobs live out in the field opposite my house and I could (in theory) ride most days. Sounds absolutely ideal! But I've got a couple of problems.

The first is, obviously, that I am such a wimp. I don't really know why - Snoopy is a lovely lad and has never (touchwood!) done anything really naughty. But I have very little confidence, and it takes ages for me to build it up. Then, just when I'm starting to get more bottle, work and/or weather means that I can't ride for a week or so, and then it's like starting all over again!

Part of it is that I have to ride on my own for most of the time, and I think that solo hacking can be a bit daunting. But the thing that I have most trouble with is actually getting on the beast!

I do have a small mounting block, but I don't half struggle - especially if I'm on my own. And I always get really worried about Snoopy bombing off at the cruicial moment - although he has never actually done this!

Can anyone else identify with this? I need to get my act together!

Cheers, Jules

[dcp]

Hello, I know how you feel. When I first got my horse I was terrified but things have changed since then. I've learned so much about him and we;re starting to build up a good relationship from the ground.

Re the mounting yep I know. Problem is with me my horse doesn't stand still. Sometimes I feel my heart going mad because I get so anxois about getting on. Finally if I manage to get on he walks away and I'm hanging on with both legs still on the same side.

If you are quite nervous what about lunging your horses and just working from teh ground to help build up your confidence. :)

[The Flying Irishman]

me me me .... I use a mounting block but console myself with the fact that I read somewhere its better for the horses back and your tack. It is always in my mind when I swing my leg over that he may just wander off so the whole thing becomes quite a rushed process and I inevitably end up plopping onto the saddle in a fairly ungainly manner.

[cazrider]

I can't get on from the ground either. I have to use a block and Sennie's only 15hh. When I got him he was a pain with moving about while I was trying to get on, but now he stands like a ramrod while I fiddle about. I must admit i got round that one by giving him a treat when he stood still, so now he expects one, but he does stand still,and its very useful out hacking. I did it by someone holding him at first, so he had no option but to stand still untilI was ready, then he got a treat. Being an intelligent (and greedy) chap, he very quickly worked it out.

I felt guilty at first, as I know the received wisdom is "no treats" but he doesn't get anything unless he's been particularly good for some reason, or unless I'm getting on!

A bit of a long reply but I thought it may give you something to try.

I actually think you do very well, as i'm sure that if I didn't keep Sennie on a big yard i'd ride a whole lot less than I do. And solo hacking is a bit daunting, and can also be a bit boring all the time. :) Can't you find someone you know to ride out with occasionally? It might make all the difference, or maybe transport him to a fun ride or small show.

[amandal]

I was on a yard where I was the only person who rode at the tmies I was there and my confidence took a nosedive. Moved to a new yard and after 3 or 4 hacks actually had one where I remembered to breathe !! Also at the new place with the really nice company there is I just generally feel better about riding/being with my horse etc.

Always use a mounting block, if I'm fit and limber I can get on from 15hh on the ground but my mare's 15.2 and it just isn't going to work. Smaller blocks cause me a problem too.

Now my mare's got a problem with me mounting, developed recently and as when I last rode her she spooked and bolted while I was swinging the old leg over the next time I try is going to be interesting I think !!

[Greentchr]

I went through a similar period where I had to have a real good reason to go out. I loved working on the ground, but I was fearful of riding (I had had an accident). It took me several months to quit getting sick to my stomach when I was getting ready to go. I think the best thing in the world for this problem is groundwork. The more I trust my horse to be focusing on me and trusting me, the more I trust her to behave appropriately on the trail. As far as the mounting issues (is it just the fear of getting on or is there an actual physical problem?), I found that doing head-flexing first until she is soft and supple to the bit, and then getting a firm contact with her head before mounting was the best way to combat the problem of moving off. Then, going up and down off the saddle 5 or 6 times before mounting for a few days let her know that just because she felt my weight did not mean I was mounting. I agree with using the mounting block- much easier on the horses withers because you are not pulling on them like an unassisted mount. I do both ways- when I am in my yard, I use a crate to mount, but when I am on the trail I mount from the ground, and from both sides to even the strain.

[Wobblydeb]

I'm not sure I would enjoy riding so much if it was always on my own - are you able to arrange for anyone to go along with you? You said you've got 2 horses - can you get a sharer or a friend to ride the other one with you? Or have you got any horsey friends nearby that one of you can travel to the other for a hack every now and again?

As for the mounting block - get a bigger one! :p Much easier....

[Gill]

I know where you are coming from!
When I was in my thirties I would swing up onto my mare saying things like 'Oh I'll use the block when I'm an old lady', hop off and on for gates etc.

Huh well these days that time has arrived, even if I'm not exactly old, as I've had back trouble and need the block or something to help now.
It is better for your horse though.

I am another with two rideable ponies and I'm mostly on my own. I quite like riding alone but the road worries me sometimes. My other problem is that nice hacking is not far away but needs the trailer to get there. I've just got a trailer (had a wagon in the past, much easier) and now have the prospect of doing the whole thing by myself. Its great when you get there, but not really easy!

I am stupid really I keep saying I will look for another rider/helper and I can't get round to it. I love it when my grown up daughter comes home and we ride together though, not very often unfortunately.

Shame we don't all live in the same area to solve all these problems.

[virtuallyhorses]

...
I do have a small mounting block, but I don't half struggle - especially if I'm on my own. ...

Get a bigger mounting block! :) Mounting should be done from a good mounting block - mounting from the ground is hard on you and hard on the horse's back so leave it for emergencies. Build or buy a really good sized one.

[bluejules]

Thanks everyone!

I do have a friend that I used to ride out with all the time, but she had an awful accident in May and has been recovering from a smashed up ankle ever since! Both my daughters ride, so I can usually ride out with at least one of them over the weekend. But during the day there's only me here...if I can organise my work so that I do some of it in the evenings, it means that I'm free to ride during the day. Trouble is, everyone I know is at work!

As for the mounting block - I bought the biggest one that Robinson's sold! It has to be a portable one so that I can move it in and out of the back garden (?!) Actually, other people think it's a pretty good size; I am 5ft tall, and Snoopy is 15.2, so perhaps it's just small to me!

Snoopy has never run off with me whilst mounting, or shortly afterwards; I'm just daft because I tend to think about all the things that might happen, which is no way to carry on, I know! But I've just booked myself in for a confident rider clinic in January, so I'll see if that helps. I think that seeing my friend have the accident has had a really bad effect on me - I'm so frightened of something that serious happening to me!

[Retty]

Hi, I mount from a block for a coupla reasons, one I am not so energetic as to be able to 'lightly hop' on my neddies back, also he blows himself out but as soon as I put my foot in stirrup he deflates! I have someone hold my stirrup and then mount from block, I think is also kinder to his back. On the odd occasion where I have had to dismount then get back on whilst out I have dropped a few holes on leather and got on that way. :)

[fataldream]

yea ok, lol. i have been riding since i was 7, and had my own pony since i was 12. i have just got the problem of not getting on. my legs stretch enough, but i get anxious,that my weight will pull the saddle off...any one the same

[Coiffure]

I can surely relate to the weight difference since when I rode before. So I to find this thread interesting. I did have an accident while mounting and this was mounting with a mounting step. the problem was the place I was at there was an obstacle in the way. I thought this boundary would at least keep him from walking from that direction as I had a terrible time with him walking off with even a hint of me ready to mount.
I lost my patience and just went for it one day and was injured with 3 ribs broken and 2 pelvic fractures. I just did not want him to keep getting away with it. I am not afraid to get back on when I am healed, But am not sure how to get him to stop this. I will try the treat thing, which works with his ground tricks. I just wish I could get him to stop and being alone for someone to help him is not accessible. I will be back to ground work when I am able to and I am hoping this can help in some way. sorry so long, I appreciate your opinion. thanks P am

[NoviceNic]

BlueJules - I know eaxctly how you feel. Unfortunately my first horse battered all the confidence I had left in me. I had a cob on trial for a fortnight before I decided to buy him. I just new I had to accomplish a few basic things before I parted with my money. One thing that got me through though was not rushing into things. Even though I felt physically sick everyday I went down to our field I knew I had to either groom him, pick his feet out or ride him. I spent a couple of days getting to know him and I was as nervous as hell. I would pick which side I would stand by him cause if the pigeons came out of the tree he would trample me!!! Of course it was all in my head but I still was choosy what I did. I took my tack down every day. I tacked him up everyday and walked around the field even if was ust for 5 mins. I tell you some days I would think of loads of excuses not to get on but there was something about Captain that made me get on. That thing was trust. As our friendship grew so did we. Dont rush things allow yourself time to get to know each other. Tack him up and sit on him if that is all you want to do. I know it wont be long before you ask him to walk towards the gate and then build on that and put in small trots. If you want you can pm me and I will let you know what else I did to get rid of the monsters in my head.:D

[smaggi]

I agree with a lot of what has already been said, but one thing I would definitdly do is teach him to stand still. It's not really that hard to do.

If he's really bad at moving, you may have to teach him in very small stages. Put one leg in the stirrup, if he moves at all, then make him work by either backing him or taking his hip. Do this until he stands still for a foot in the stirrup. Then put weight on the stirrup as if you are mounting and come back to the ground. If he moves at all in this process, make him work again, and repeat the process until he stands still. Then mount to a seated position. If he walks off during your mount or after you are seated, make him work and repeat it until he stands. After you are mounted just sit there for a few minutes. If he moves at all, back him in the saddle or take his hip and ask him to stand again.

We taught all of our horses to stand and we always mount and sit there for a bit and they have learned to wait for our forward cue. This really paid off when we had a 65 year old rider come over. He was trying to mount our 16.1H gelding and couldn't quite get his leg over. It took him about 4 tries and Fescue just stood and waited.

[Trewsers]

I can see why you'd be scared to get on - being a first time owner and on your own! I'm lucky cos OH and I bought our first horses this year and are on a brilliant yard where there is always somebody around to help. I sometimes curse the fact that its so busy - but on the upside - there is plenty of help and advice around if I need it.:) Could you get your OH to hold the stirrup - hold the reins whilst you get on? I have bought a mounting block from Rideaway, I can get on from the ground, but there's no point putting pressure on Storm and pulling her saddle skew whiff - just to prove a point:p ! Sounds like you could do with some hacking buddies - hows about looking in the local tack shop - asking around if there are any local riding schools where you could perhaps hack to and have a lesson once in a while?

[*Sez*]

I find it really painful to mount from the ground, but it's a physical problem. Also, the pressure on my right arm when mounting from the ground often dislocates my elbow as well, so I find it much easier to mount from a block. Unfortunately, the only "desinated mounting block" is at the other end of our huge yard, and there's nothing in the schools to mount from (unless you fancy climbing the fence!). There is a small wall by our stable block I could mount from, but because when I rode as a child I never had this problem, I usually forget how painful it is, struggle on in the school, swear to myself that I'll never do it again and then promptly forget! My mum is supposed to be building me a nice little mounting block that I can put things in, so I'll start getting on in the barn and riding around to the school.

[harryhorse11]

I had back surgery back in April and find it very hard getting on, I've taught my horse to stand right next to the mounting block it took a while but he does it now bless him, you have to keep trying though and everytime your horse moves don't get on just walk him round line him up and try again, also what I've found helpful if you think your horse is going to move away, get on facing something so that he can't move off!! I also taught my horse to re-line back up to the mounting block so that I can get off on it too :D

[artemis]

I have arthritis so always use a mounting block, I have done for years. Main problem is getting off though ! Any ideas?

[bluejules]

NoviceNic - thanks for this, I know exactly what you mean about "monsters in the head"! Snoopy has not really given me any reason to feel as nervous as I do. When my OH is there and holds him, I have no problem getting on; it's just that, especially when I'm on my own, my mind is just filled with "what ifs"!

A few months ago we were on a solo hack and we met a lady who has a farm locally breeding show ponies. Snoopy was a bit of a novelty to her as he's a great fat chunky thing and the complete opposite of her little finely built show ponies - so she stopped to talk. She asked how old he was, and when I said 6, she said "Wow, only 6? He's very placid for his age, isn't he"? Well, I should have felt pleased about this, but I spent ages worrying about it...yes, he is calm, but suppose he suddenly starts acting like a naughty teenager? Supppose it happens NOW, in the middle of this ride? Suppose I fall onto this road?...etc etc - you get the drift!

I have got a Mountain Horse Bodyguard jacket which cost a small fortune, but it's very comfortable and gives me just that little bit extra confidence. I've also booked myself onto a confidence clinic at Osbaldeston in the new year. I must get the better of my nerves; when things are going well and I start to relax, it really is fantastic.


I spoke to someone recently who said that yoga had made a massive difference to her flexibility and consequently helped her no end in mounting - she can easily spring on board now! Anyone else have experience of this? I'll give anything a go!

[Dummer&Drummer]

i really do feel for you :( i dont know what to suggest, ive no advice on yoga but heard it is supposed to be GREAT. i to am a real nervous rider, but i would better call it i am filled with anticipation, what if this goes wrong, what if this happens, if my horse does this..........:eek: :eek: :eek: and more :eek:

the only thing i can say, which is just personal to me, just in case it helps you, is that i dont let my nerves beat me, i wont let my nerves beat me, i focus and all of the amazing times ive had on my horse and nothing else, i am really really strict on myself re my nerves, and if i want to think about breaking my neck or bones or being hit by a car, i think of the route i drive to work (its a bit mad the road i drive) i think of people who trip down steps and break their legs i think of cyclists cycling down the road - all the 'normal' things that can go wrong in life, and if i am really really nervous those are the days i MAKE myself get on - just got to gather up as much positivity and GET ON and do it :( and your'll see that your anticipation thoughts are not quite the reality that your brain is telling you (thats what i going through now and anticipation is slowly going) hard work though and 101 kicks up the backside (mine not the horse) :rolleyes:

i also think advertising for a hacker is a great idea :)

have you tried rescue remedy
and also just a thought - but at real bad times or before i compete (well the one time i have a few months ago :D plan more next yr ), in the morning i take a Propanlol for my nerves, quite common with sports people, and if you get on ok with your GP and dont abuse it he may dish you out a few :rolleyes:

[Dummer&Drummer]

could you get in a freelance instructor to do some confidence work with you

[Cheeky]

I know the feeling when I ride the TB mare I am training .. its sorta like a rushing feeling in your heart .. you can feel it climbing your throat .. but she never moves :p

I hate using mounting blocks .. they put me outta wack lol. I think that is why I get all strange mounting Summer .. because of it. Without it, I'm fine .. but she has a sore back, and until she is warmed up I have to use a mountin block.

With Cheek its all good .. when I was helping an instructor, she told her class 'its easy as one, two three. Put your foot into the stirrup (no mounting block) and hop once small, two hop higher, three hop with power and swing yourself round.'

Worked .. But depends on what your comfy with :) It take one 'hop' you could say, for me to mount .. but yeah, a mounting block is better for them :)

good luck

[Skib]

Surely the people who have trained their horses to stand still at a mounting block are right. At demos given by the American trainer Mark Rashid, I have three times seen him help riders with this problem, teaching horses to approach the block and stand to be mounted.
In some cases mark rashid commented that the horses were not moving away to be naughty, but because the riders had inadvertently "taught" them to do so. The horse believed that that was what was required. For instance many of us may pull a little on the near side rein to bring the horse closer, but the horse may interpret this as a request for a turn, swinging his haunches away from you. Or my picking up the reins to mount may be understood by the horses as a request to back up.
As for needing to mount quickly - as a step in the training it is possible just to jump up and lie across the saddle. Michael Peace always mounts this way without using the stirrup, and Leslie Desmond also teachers children to mount slowly so that they can get off again rapidly if their horse takes off.
I am not agile enough for this, but I have taught my lesson horse to stand at the block and know that her previous moving away was partly her reluctance to start work, but also partly caused by my hand on the reins.

[harryhorse11]

I think when you're older the self preservation takes over, the if I fall off I can't work, i can't drive, I can't shop..............................I'm very much like you, it's always the what ifs, I'm trying very very hard to put those "what ifs" away in a cupboard somewhere but they still keep leaping out at me!:(

[pedantic]

I suffer the what ifs which is why I only canter in the school, I cant be doing with having an accident, mentally emotionally physically or financially, I musn't complain because I can take him anywhere light or dark, and do what I like with him whenever I want except canter out, he gets to excited, it will probably come in time but until then I have to suffer the what ifs, but be grateful for everything else.
I think some of us are too hard on ourselves sometimes, nothing wrong with being sensible for our own safety and the horses.

[Stella2]

I find it really painful to mount from the ground, but it's a physical problem. Also, the pressure on my right arm when mounting from the ground often dislocates my elbow as well, so I find it much easier to mount from a block. Unfortunately, the only "desinated mounting block" is at the other end of our huge yard, and there's nothing in the schools to mount from (unless you fancy climbing the fence!). There is a small wall by our stable block I could mount from, but because when I rode as a child I never had this problem, I usually forget how painful it is, struggle on in the school, swear to myself that I'll never do it again and then promptly forget! My mum is supposed to be building me a nice little mounting block that I can put things in, so I'll start getting on in the barn and riding around to the school.

Can't you buy some lightweight plastic steps? I have a set that I leave in the school and when I was horse shopping, they came with me!

[Lora]

His owner said he'd never used one after I mentioned trainer and I had some slight naughtiness with the block. (jumping with front legs over it, while I'm trying to get on..hahaha) and he even cow kicked it, not sure if that was an accident or if he hated it. heheheh

Trainer had me take him out to it, tacked up and make him stand by it. Then when he doesn't try to move when not held to it, then he's comfortable. Then she had me stand on bottom step, get off.. (so he would hear that thump my boot makes on it. )

After one session alone with him, he's now fine with it. I chalk that up to his willingness to try new things. :)

I cannot seem to get on him without a block either. It's just a bad time for both of us and I just now he'll start moving around to make it worse! For now the mounting block si eliminating alot of problems for us both.

[bluejules]

Well, you have all inspired me, so today I decided to take Snoopy for our first solo hack since goodness knows when. Tightened up the girth, led him to the mounting block. He stood perfectly still. Foot in stirrup, tried to spring up - and then, oh dear, the saddle slid towards me! Snoopy remained perfectly still. Removed my foot, tightened the girth yet again and got on successfully. He remained absolutely still for the whole thing - I was delighted.
He then went on to behave perfectly for the rest of the ride. I had bought him a new bit and wanted to try it out today - it made a huge difference, he seemed so comfortable. We had a lovely ride.

I really should stop this daft behaviour and just get on with enjoying it all!

[WYORider]

I'm tiny, and my horse is huge. I'm not very flexible so I don't think there's any way I could get on without a mounting block or with the help of a fence or something to boost myself up.

It's annoying, because, I've read where some equitation classes ask the riders to dismount and mount, as proper mounting is part of "good equitation". This scares me!

I am just under 5 foot tall, and my horse is over 16 hands high! He's a big TB.

Kristy

[Laetitia]

Using a mounting block is much easier for you and for the horse's back. It's also safer as you're not hopping about on one leg if he does move.
Don't think it - if you think it he'll know exactly what you're thinking so think about something else.
Mine goes backwards. Most frustrating. She has been taught to stand still and she does, but not always, Trouble is I laugh as she moves just a fraction so I can't get on and being a bit slow compounds the problem. Witch.
I know exactly where you're coming from about going out on your own. It is daunting. I'm overcoming it. The only thing really is get on with it, sing as you go and don't think it. Good luck. L

[Greentchr]

On teaching a horse to stand still for the block: What worked for our 2 was to begin by lunging them around the block. The arena we work in is used for handicapped riders so has a substantial block, but it also worked when we got home and worked further with a square plastic milk crate which is what I use to mount. When lunging, we walked and trotted several circles each direction, always stopping (giving a breather) when she is right beside the crate. She soon came to think of the block as the place to rest. When she had learned to stand at the block, I went to mount and dismount several times in a row. If she so much as moved a step ( be sure she is sqare first), she was backed until she was in the exact same spot she moved from. It was easier for her to just stand and let me get up and down, walk up the stairs and get up and down again, etc., then to move around and have to back and do it over. It was very effective.

The older horse had a phobia about the crate, so we tied a long rope to it and went for a walk with it dragging behind us- first at 15 feet behind, and gradually worked up to having it dragging right beside her. Then I threw it down in front of her and on all sides, being sure that she had absolutely no issues with it before we used it as a mounting block. I don't think there is such a thing as overkill in desensitizing to the block, because a small spook at the wrong time could cause quite a wreck. It takes a bit of time, but the lesson seems to last for a long time.

[Sumitra]

Me too. Its a nightmare.Have to use mounting block.

[Coiffure]

(if he moves at all, then make him work by either backing him or taking his hip)
What does it mean by taking the hip?

[Greentchr]

(if he moves at all, then make him work by either backing him or taking his hip)
What does it mean by taking the hip?
It means to control his movement at the hip- in other words, make him move his back end away from your pressure, whether you are on the ground, or, in the saddle pressuring with foot cues. Some people refer to it as the horse 'giving' to pressure and the rider 'taking' the hip. The outside foot is to move in front of the other hind foot.