Let's Ride!: Mounting

Let’s Ride!: Mounting

First of all, if you're riding with a saddle or a bareback pad, you need to check the girth. Make sure it's on right, and make sure it is tight enough. You don't want a loose girth, for the saddle will slip... and when you're mounting, you might end up on the ground! So the first rule is to check the girth. If the girth is loose, tighten it. If the horse blows out its tummy, give him a little tap in the ribs to make him breathe in.
It's a good idea to adjust the stirrup leathers to roughly the length you will find correct when sitting in the saddle. To gauge this, place the fingertips of one hand at the buckle and hold the stirrup leather should fit snugly into your armpit.

Mounting with a Leg-Up If you would like some assistance mounting, ask someone to give you a leg-up. It's just a little boost, helping you to mount.
1. To mount by a leg-up, place your left hand on the pemmel and the right hand across the seat of the saddle Then bend your left leg from the knee so that the helper can support your leg at the ankle and the knee.
2. At the helper's command (when a person gives me a leg-up, we both count to 3 together), spring into the air from your left foot, and then swing your right leg across the saddle, taking care not to brush the horse's back.
3. Settle into the saddle as gently as possible, ready to put your feet into the stirrup irons.

Mounting with out a Leg-Up

To mount without a leg-up, stand close to the horse's shoulder and face toward the tail. Hold the reins at the withers in your left hand and with your right hand turn the stirrup iron toward you and put your left foot into it.

Hop around to face the horse's side and move your right hand across the back of the saddle.

Spring off the ground, move your right hand forward and swing your right leg across the top of the saddle, again taking care not to brush the horse's back with your leg.

Lower yourself gently into the saddle and place your right foot in the stirrup.