Mounting Poll
alipene
Posts: 945 Member
In all the years I've been riding I can count on one hand the number of times I have even tried mounting from the ground, and every time I've needed a leg-up or bum-push and looked totally inelegant as I heaved myself up and crawl over the leather. I've tried lowering the stirrups, stretching, bouncing...Just couldn't do it. I'm 5'4" and now126lbs and my mount of the last 10 years is only 14.3h but I'm convinced that the moment I put my foot in the stirrup (if I can get it up that far) I'll feel the saddle slipping or that I'm going to pull the horse over.
Over the years I've learned that it is, in fact, better to use a mounting block (improvised or otherwise) as it's more comfortable for the horse which gives me the perfect excuse not to try again (
) but still mounting, unaided...and elegantly remains on my bucket list.
So hands up...who can and who can't? Anyone else out there like me, a 'successful-ground-mounting-virgin', apparently without the knack, or do you all vault into the saddle?
Over the years I've learned that it is, in fact, better to use a mounting block (improvised or otherwise) as it's more comfortable for the horse which gives me the perfect excuse not to try again (
) but still mounting, unaided...and elegantly remains on my bucket list.So hands up...who can and who can't? Anyone else out there like me, a 'successful-ground-mounting-virgin', apparently without the knack, or do you all vault into the saddle?
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Replies
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Haha..well before I lost the weight my mare would obviously brace herself as in square herself and then look back as if to say I am ready. I would always use a hill of some sort to ease her back.. Now I am happy to say she does not brace herself as soon as I move her into position and I rarely need a hill to mount.. I think once in awhile she braces herself just to keep me humble lol..love that horse!0
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I always use a mounting block with my treeless saddle because it stops the saddle slipping. I'd use it if I went back to treed, too, as it stops the tree twisting out of shape. I try to vary which side I mount from as well, since it means the saddle and stirrup leathers wear more evenly. And mounting bareback from the ground I've never even tried!
I now have Jack trained to line himself up next to whatever I'm mounting from - at the start, it would take me half an hour to get into the saddle if he was feeling cheeky!0 -
Being a western rider, I've always mounted from the ground. Granted, I've always usually had shorter horses. We do a lot of back country riding/camping and not being able to mount from the ground would not be helpful in situations you need to get off and walk. Although, I have used the occasional rocks to give us both a little help.
Now for my Perch cross, I ALWAYS have to climb up onto something to get onto him, whether it be a mounting block or pick up truck. =P0 -
I never had to use a mounting block (I rode mostly arabs and I'm 6'7" so it wasn't too much of a stretch), but then I got my OTTB and there is no hope of me getting my leg up high enough to pull myself up onto her (16.2) without a mounting block!0
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I usually use a block. When I was larger it was nearly mandatory, losing weight has made a dramatic difference in my mounting skill. With my new saddle I nearly threw myself over little Nugget the first time I stepped on from the ground! He's all of 14.2 hands so if someone has to get off to retrieve something, it's usually me!
I've read that it's better for the horses back, and also for my shiny new saddle! I saw some pictures online of trees that were crazy twisted just from mounting! I want both Nugget and my saddle to last a long long time.
On a side note, I usually mount from the off (right) side, which I realize is radically non-traditional! When Nugget was young we learned to mount from both sides, and then I had a series of knee surgeries and for a long time my right leg was just easier and stronger to mount with. Now if I offer Nugget a choice of sides at the mounting block, he'll always offer the off side! But when I'm riding with other people I mount from the left to avoid judgment or commentary hehe!0 -
I've always mounted from the ground, the only time I use a block is with my friends 17.1hh tank of a horse! It doesn't always look pretty but it gets the job done!0
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I think the last time I tried to mount from the ground was 20 years and 40 pounds ago! I always use a mounting block, to save tack and back. Maybe when I drop some more weight I can manage it (I'm 5'8" and very flexible so it's just the weight of my butt holding me back). I'd really like to be able to do it again.0
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I like to know I can mount from the ground but I admit it's not as easy as it used to be. I taught my last horse how to pick me up from the fence rail which was very handy - she would sidepass over to me on a the trailer fender, a rock, etc. I saved her back and I enjoyed our little trick.
Fast forward 5 years - and add 20 lbs - and my horse is a spicey little Arab who likes to dance around. I'm going treeless with him and it's a challenge mounting from the ground. I've done but I much prefer a block. I hope to teach him how to pick me up from some stationary object as well. It's good for the horse and it looks cool when you're friends are watching, too. :-)0
