The mount the horse properly is the first step to a good ride.A good mount can help keep you and your horse safe during riding.Taking the time to get your horse ready for riding is necessary for properly mounting a horse.It requires that you use a proper approach to ride the horse.With some planning and proper technique, you'll be sitting in the saddle with perfect posture and ready to go for a great ride.
Step 1: Take your horse into position.
To mount your horse, walk out to a level area.It's important that it isn't cramped, as horses can get claustrophobic easily.Make sure the left side of the horse is clear before you mount it.A skilled rider can ride from either side of the horse.It's important to learn to mount from the left side as well.If you are riding a trail ride along a cliff edge, you should be able to mount and dismount from either side.
Step 2: The mounting block needs to be put in place.
A mounting block can make it easier to reach the stirrups.If you have a mounting block, make sure it is under the stirrup you will use to mount up.Repeatedly mounting without a block puts a lot of strain on one side of your horse's back, so using a mounting block can help reduce that strain and protect their back as well as your body.Training your horse to stand still and not walk away is one of the benefits of mounting blocks.There are either 2 or 3 steps to the mounting blocks.The 2-step blocks work well for most adults.The 3-step mounting blocks allow shorter and taller riders to use the same blocks.
Step 3: You should be next to your horse.
Stand next to your horse's left front leg if you're standing on a mounting block or on the ground.Without sacrificing control of your horse, this allows you to reach the stirrup easily.You will start by the horse's right front leg when you learn to mount on the right.
Step 4: The horse must be kept still.
Make sure the horse is paying attention to you.They'll be in the correct position when you mount if you put the reins over its head.Hold onto the reins while you ride.It's a good idea to ask a friend to hold your horse for you while you ride.At a horse show, there will be someone available to hold your horse while you ride.
Step 5: The horse's reins need to be grasped.
Holding onto the reins during the mounting process will help you control the horse if they try to run away.The gentle pressure of the bit in the horse's mouth will remind your horse to stand still.You can tell if your horse is moving by pulling gently on the reins.You should hold the reins in your left hand as you stand there.Don't pull too hard on your horse's mouth, but keep them tight so you can control it if it moves away.
Step 6: Put your foot in the stirrup.
When using a mounting block, you will be closer to the stirrup and will have to lift your leg and body, a shorter distance.It is possible to mount from the ground if you are fit.If you want to rest your weight on the ball of your foot, lift your forward foot into the stirrup.Dropping the mounting stirrup several holes will make it easier to reach.Once you're sitting on your horse, you can shorten your stirrup.If you mount from the right, you will put your foot in the stirrup.
Step 7: Pull your body up on the horse.
If you want to swing your other leg over the top of the horse, you have to shift your body weight onto your foot.If you mount from the left, your left hand should hold the reins, but you can grab the saddle as well.Use your right hand to grab the horn if you are riding in a western saddle.Use your right hand to grab the pommel in an English saddle.Pulling on the back of the saddle can cause it to slip, so don't grab it.Lift your leg with your arm if the saddle is too high off the ground or if you don't have enough stretch in the leg.A friend can help you mount.They need to create a basket for your knee.They can give you a boost on the horse if you put your knee in their hands.As you swing the horse over the top, be careful not to kick it with your foot.
Step 8: sink into the saddle.
Your horse's back can be hurt if you land hard in the saddle.Carefully land in the saddle to avoid this type of injury.A lot of force will be created when you pull your body up over the horse.It may be slow-going at first, but you will be able to do this quickly and gently over time.Before you sit down, place your feet in the stirrups.This will allow you to do a controlled sit.
Step 9: You should adjust your position.
Minor adjustments to your seat and posture can be made when you are on the back of the horse.If you need to adjust the length, put your other foot in the stirrup.Before you leave, you should check your girth.You're ready to go if you grab the reins properly.
Step 10: Put on safety gear.
When riding a horse, wear boots with a heel.You can keep your feet in the stirrups with this.When riding, you should wear a helmet and a safety vest.In case of a fall, this will protect your head.Riding horses requires proper safety equipment.For instance, if you wear a helmet for another sport, you won't protect yourself as well as you should.
Step 11: Check the horse's girth.
The piece of the saddle that is attached to the horse's chest is called the girth.It is dangerous for you and your horse to ride a girth that is too tight.The girth needs to be tight enough to keep the saddle in place.You should be able to fit 2 fingers between the horse's side and the girth.You and the saddle can fall if you try to mount a horse with a loose girth.It is important to check your horse's girth before mounting.When you try to put on the girth, many horses will put up their chests for a looser fit.5-10 minutes after you start your ride is when you should check and adjust your girth.
Step 12: It's necessary to adjust.
You can adjust the length of your stirrups from the horse's back, but it is much easier to do before mounting.Pull the leathers of the stirrup towards your torso to get an accurate gauge of your stirrup length.Place your hand on the saddle.The stirrups should be adjusted so that they reach the length of your arm.The method gives you a good foundation length, which can be adjusted by a friend or yourself.
Step 13: Put your reins back in place.
During the mounting process, you should have a good grip on the reins.You can control the horse and make sure it doesn't leave under you.To make your horse look away from you, shorten the rein opposite your mounting side.The horse will not bite you while you are trying to mount it.