Step one of riding is figuring out how to get on a horse! Once you’ve got the hang of it, it will be easy but the first few times it will seem daunting.
Make sure you have your instructor or another experienced rider with you to help you and give you tips (and a boost if need be!).
Mounting a horse
Learning how to get on a horse the correct way – known as ‘mounting’ the horse – can be much harder than it looks sometimes.
Before attempting to get on a horse you need to learn that there is a process, training, and rules that you will need to follow that will make mounting easier.
Your trainer will pair you with a horse that is gentle and calm. Plan to spend a little time with the horse you will be riding. Run your hands along its back, neck, and head. Take the time to give the horse a good brush. Let the horse get to know you and bond with you.
Remember, when learning how to get on a horse, always mount the horse from their left hand side. Horses are accustomed to this and have usually been trained to accept a rider mounting from that side. Make sure to follow the steps listed below.
Step 1 – Ask your instructor to hold the horse for you
Until you get familiar with how to get on a horse, always make sure that your instructor is holding the reins of the horse for you while you mount it. Sometimes a horse will attempt to move or walk away, making it dangerous for you to try this by yourself.
Step 2 – Check the girth
Before learning how to get on a horse, remember to check the girth then recheck it. Never forget to do this. if the girth is not tight enough then when you attempt to mount the horse, the saddle can move and even roll on you. This can cause you to fall which will spook your horse. When a horse has been spooked the first thing he usually does is either rare up or run. Both are seriously dangerous to you.
Step 3 – Mounting the horse from the left side
Never try to mount your horse from the right side. Horses have always been mounted from the left side so it’s what your horse will be accustomed to. Mounting it any other way can cause distress in the horse and irritation. This will make things much more complicated for you, not to mention, dangerous.
Step 4 – Put the reins in your left hand
Make sure that you are holding the reins loosely in front of the saddle. Use your left hand to hold the reins. This will aid you in controlling and steering your horse.
Step 5 – Put your left foot in the stirrup
Start with placing your left foot into the stirrup. Do not slam your foot into the stirrup. Place just the ball of your left foot in the stirrup, not your entire foot. Slowly put your weight down into the stirrup and push up, standing up in the stirrup with your right leg hanging down.
Step 6 – Swing your right leg over
With your right leg, swing it over the rear end of the horse but make sure to be incredibly careful not to kick the horse as you swing your leg over. Kicking your cause can cause him to take off running and with your foot hung up in the stirrup, this can result in you actually being dragged along the ground.
Step 7 – Lower yourself gently
Do not just drop into the saddle or throw yourself down into it. Dropping all of your weight down into the saddle suddenly will frighten your horse. Make sure that you slowly and gently lower yourself into the saddle.
Step 8 – Adjust the stirrups
Until you know what you are doing and exactly how to do it, have your trainer adjust your stirrups to the right length for you. Make sure that you pay attention to how this is done so that you can learn to do it yourself.
Step 9 – Place your right foot in the stirrup
Now, place your right foot, centering the ball into the stirrup. Never place the heel or toe first. This can quickly throw you completely off of your balance if your horse decides to move.
And that’s how to get on a horse!
Now that you have learned the basics of how to get on a horse, you can start to adjust your balance and certain things to make it easier for you and for your horse when mounting him. There will be little techniques and tricks that you will figure out that are best for you.
Extra tips for learning how to get on a horse
- Keeping your balance is one of the most important things.
- Remember, when mounting your horse, do it gently and calmly but not slow to the point of extreme. It should be in one fluid movement if possible.
- Animals can sense fear. You got this! Let the horse feel that you are comfortable and confident but not to the point of being cocky. If your horse feels a deep sense of fear in you, it “worries” your horse and makes him uncomfortable.
- If you are extremely scared of getting on the horse due to his size or anything else, then spend an extra amount of time getting to know your horse and bonding with him.
- Never put your foot down heavily in the stirrups and never throw yourself down into the saddle. You never want your horse to feel a sudden pressure or weight. Always do these things gently and carefully.
- You are not going to be an expert overnight so don’t even try it. Just learning how to get on a horse takes time. My advice is to mount your horse a few times a day for several days with your trainer holding the reins.
- Once you feel confident enough with this, then start mounting your horse by yourself with your trainer standing close by.
- Never attempt to mount your horse without your trainer until the trainer believes that you are ready enough for it to be safe. You may believe that you know that you are doing everything correctly, but your trainer may see it differently. Follow his advice for your own safety, his safety, and your horse’s safety.
- Safety is the first priority, for you and your horse. Once safety is assured, then have fun learning!