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| Mastering the Art of Mounting and Dismounting Your Horse |
Learning proper mounting and dismounting techniques is a crucial skill for every equestrian to develop. Not only does it allow you to get on and off your horse independently, but it also helps ensure both you and your horse's safety during the process. While mounting tends to be easier to pick up, dismounting can feel more intimidating at first. However, with some key pointers, the right mindset, a cooperative horse, and guidance from an experienced instructor, mounting and dismounting can become second nature.
Importance of Safety
When learning any new skill around horses, safety should always remain the number one priority. According to Milly Cavender, a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor and coach for both western and English riders, "mounting and dismounting put riders in vulnerable positions, as you transition between being on the ground and on the horse." She stresses, "keeping safety at the forefront allows you to be proactive and avoid accidents."
Some key risks to keep in mind include:
- The horse moving unexpectedly before, during or after mounting/dismounting
- Getting clothing or boot caught while swinging leg over horse
- Losing balance or falling during the process
- Putting strain on your own body or the horse's back
However, with vigilance, preparation, and the right techniques, these risks can be minimized.
Preparation
Before attempting to mount, always make sure both you and your horse are ready. It helps tremendously to have an experienced handler keep your horse steady as you're learning. Even horses trained for mounting can accidentally step off or swing their hindquarters if they get distracted.
You'll also want to perform a tack check minutes before getting on. According to Milly, "Double check the tightness of the girth, security of stirrups, and bridle adjustment on both sides." A loose girth could cause the saddle to shift mid-mount, while unsecured stirrups or an improper bridle fit could also lead to accidents.
Using a Mounting Block
When first learning to mount, using a mounting block provides major advantages. The additional height brings you closer to the stirrup, reducing strain and effort needed to get on. Mounting blocks also minimize discomfort on both the rider's body and horse's back compared to mounting from the ground.
Proper mounting block placement matters greatly. Milly recommends "placing it at the horse's left shoulder at roughly a 45-degree angle to their body." This allows you to easily put your left foot in the stirrup without extensive reaching or invading the horse's space. Just don't put it so close that it sits underneath their belly.
Before stepping up, gather your reins in your left hand along with a bit of mane to avoid pulling on your horse's mouth. Then place your right hand on the saddle's pommel or horn to help balance as you swing over.
Steps to Mount
Once your block and hands are properly positioned, you can begin mounting:
Put your left foot in the stirrup with the ball of your foot resting on the stirrup bar. Too far forward risks getting caught if you fall. Too far back can cause slips.
While pressing left foot weight into the stirrup for support, swing your right leg up and over the horse's hindquarters in one smooth, gentle motion. Avoid kicking the horse.
Lower yourself softly into the saddle, letting your leg drape naturally.
Place your right foot in the stirrup with proper weight distribution through the ball.
Confirm even stirrup length by carefully standing in stirrups with heels down. Ask your handler to assess if needed.
Remember to mount patiently, avoiding rushed or erratic movements that could scare your horse. Having an instructor provide verbal guidance can help you perfect the mechanics. With practice, mounting can become effortless!
Mounting from the Ground
While starting with a block is ideal, every rider should learn ground mounting as well. You won't always have access to a block out on trails or inshows. Ground mounting requires extra lower body strength, balance, and coordination - but the process is quite similar.
To help develop the necessary fitness:
- Perform squats and lunges to strengthen quads, glutes and core
- Work on your plank hold duration to improve whole-body endurance
As you're learning, have someone hold your stirrup to prevent slips. Aside from requiring more oomph from your right leg to clear the saddle, the main difference is needing greater push strength from your arms during the swinging and lowering motion. Staying centered is also more challenging without the block's stability.
Be patient with yourself as you build proprioception. An instructor can provide support at first by holding your leg. Once the motion clicks, mounting from the ground will feel like second nature.
Dismounting the Horse
While most equestrians find mounting easier to grasp, smoothly dismounting takes many by surprise. However, the process shares many parallels:
Preparing to Dismount
- Stand fully in both stirrups with heels down and toes facing forward to lightly loosen feet from stirrrups.
- Transfer your reins and a bit of mane to your left hand, keeping a soft feel of your horse's mouth.
- Place your right hand on the saddle's pommel or horn to help support your weight shift.
Steps to Dismount
- Gently swing your right leg over your horse's hind end, being careful not to kick them. Keep both legs draped evenly across their left side.
- Rise up slightly from your saddle by straightening your knees and lightly loading your stirrups and hands to begin your descent. Avoid placing full weight.
- Remove both feet from stirrups while keeping weight centered between your hands.
- Turn your torso to face forward so you slide down on your right seat bone, avoiding any saddle snags.
- Maintain a slight bend in your knees as you land to prevent losing balance.
Expect to experience some muscle soreness when you first begin regularly dismounting correctly. Riders often unintentionally use the bad habit of swinging off and heavily dropping down. But learning proper alignment keeps both you and your horse comfortable.
Emergency Dismounting
Having an emergency dismount strategy prepared is a smart safety measure all riders should adopt. Accidents can happen out on trails where you need to quickly get you and your horse out of harm's way.
While normally you'd take your time, during emergencies you'll need to act swiftly. Here's a rapid dismount process if needed:
- Simultaneously swing your right leg over, rip both feet from stirrups, and push vigorously off from your hands and left leg to launch free from the saddle.
- Spot your landing while airborne, preparing your knees to absorb the impact. Shoulder rolls can further dissipate energy.
- Once landed, immediately cue your horse to halt and move to safety.
Ideally, only practice emergency dismounts over safe, soft surfaces under professional guidance. But mentally reviewing the steps can prepare you if the real situation arises.
Perfecting Your Technique
Mastering mounting and dismounting requires continual practice and refinement. But with the right foundation now set, getting in and out of the saddle can provide a smooth transition to begin and end each satisfying ride.
Stay attentive and in tune with both your body and your horse's signals. Build fitness through strength training. Challenge yourself to mount and dismount from both sides. And continually review safety to turn this functional skill into an art!