Mounting Block alternatives?

[KarinUS]

Are there any cheap, yet sturdy and portable alternatives for mounting blocks?
I can't believe that a 3-step piece of plastic could cost $85!!!

[galadriel]

I got a $5 plastic stepstool at the dollar store. It's not exactly the sort of thing which can withstand weather, sun, and being kicked around by horses for year after year but it worked just fine for my purposes.

I left it somewhere...don't recall where. Anyway, what we use now (until I bother to do something about it), is a sawhorse. We had it anyway and it works just fine.

I also have a fold-up stepstool for massage/saddle fitting, which we picked up at a hardware store for about $20. I've used it for mounting once or twice.

[laura jeanne]

I thought about one of those library step stools, but they are about $50 from the Demco catalog.

[KarinUS]

the cheapo step stools are a good idea! But if their legs are skinny they will sink in the sand.

Maybe another thing to put on Ray's 'to build' list but it's so long already:
cavalettis, compost containers, arena, etc.

I'll cruise the Dollar Stores and see how the step stool are made...

[KarinUS]

Silly me! I can get a cheapo stepstool and then screw board under the 'feet' to keep it from sinking- like snowshoes...

Thanks, galadriel!

Laura Jeanne, are library stepstools the round things?

[laura jeanne]

Yes, but there is also a square one. They are usually on wheels but when you step on them, the rim goes down to the ground so it doesn't roll. Actually, they may not be high enough.

I have to put my instructor's mounting block up on the wrong end so I have 3 steps up to my very tall lesson horse.

[Esther.D]

We have a wooden step stool from IKEA which cost about £9 and is ideal (but would need 'snow shoes' for the soft ground )

[KarinUS]

Oh Esther, I like it! Very classy looking. And the snow shoes will be easy to add with it being wood! Can't beat the price and it's almost as tall as the 3-step blocks.
The $10 Ikea Stool

[Esther.D]

Yep, thats the one! Being modelled here by Stephen and Pablo (very handy for reaching forelocks)

[KarinUS]

It's beautiful! I like wood better than plastic any day- especially since it saves me 70 bucks!
And it can be stained or painted. I can use our barn stain and then we really look coordinated and uptown!

Thanks for the tip!

[deborah ann]

I've used a small heavy picnic table for a mounting block. But it was located out of the pasture where they wouldn't bump it and hurt themselves.

[alliecatalex]

For mounting blocks I just use things like the fence and a stump, haha, they're cheap, thats for sure

[pengapenga]

what an excellent idea for a mounting block. IKEA has some great ideas but I bet even they did not think of using their furniture as an essential part of the stable

I shall be visiting IKEA to get one too I will also need to put sand shoes on as where I live in Perth it is like a giant beach!!. in the past I have stood on water troughs, fallen down trees (that is when I go bush riding and have taken a tumble!!) beer crates! So the idea of a 'fancy' mounting block is appealing!

[cvb]

we use milk crates - ideally with a board on the top to stop feet going through. (But don't tell anyone.... !)

[^_^pEpPeRpOt^_^]

Thats what we use cvb. Also i imagine trampolines would be good lol. I have no idea where i got that one from, but they are high so why not =D

[pengapenga]

pepperpot your idea of trampolines brings pictures of a rider bouncing on a trampoline and leaping over the horse nevermind on top of one

[^_^pEpPeRpOt^_^]

will have to try it on my neighbours when i get my horse and find out!! =D (i arent kidding either !!!)

[KarinUS]

Esther,

I got my IKEA stools. They are lovely! Nice solid wood. Not flimsy at all. And so tall. I can't wait to try them out.

Thanks for the fantastic tip. I love 'em!!!

[Esther.D]

Glad I was able to help We definately like ours.

[REBBECAQWERTY]

I also use a milk crate, it does the job and doesnt cost alot.