Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Prepare Your Horse
• Method 2 of 2: Use your leg to mount the horse
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

The first step to becoming a good rider is the correct way to mount the horse safely. By following these simple steps, you will be sitting properly in the saddle preparing for a great ride.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Prepare Your Horse

1. 1 Place your horse in the correct position. Take your horse to the spot from which you will climb on it. Make sure the horse is not pinched so that it does not get claustrophobic, which will complicate your task. Horses are usually climbed from the left side, but if the horse is well trained, a rider with good balance will be able to climb from either side.
   • It is very important to be able to climb from both sides, suddenly, you find yourself in a dangerous situation in which you will need to climb onto the horse quickly, no matter which side.
2. 2 Check the horse's girth. Always check your horse's girth before climbing. The girth should hug your horse well, but two fingers should fit between the horse and the girth. Riding with a relaxed or too tight girth is dangerous for both you and your horse, which is why it is so important to check the girth before each ride.
3. 3 Adjust the length of the stirrups. While you can adjust the length of the stirrups while on horseback, it is much easier to do this while on the ground. To correctly guess the length of the stirrups, pull the stirrups towards your chest. Lengthen or shorten the stirrups so that they are the same length as your extended arm and reach your armpit.
   • In this way, you will find almost the optimal length of the stirrups, and after you have climbed on the horse, a friend can adjust them.
4. 4 Keep your horse still. Make sure the horse's attention is on you and he is not trying to get away. The reins should be behind the horse's head so that they are in the correct position when you climb on it. If you are a beginner rider, ask to hold your horse while you climb on it.
5. 5 Move the climbing step to the correct location. Although not required, it will be easier for you to reach the stirrups and will cause less pain to the horse. If you have such a step, move it under the stirrup that will help you to get on the horse.

Method 2 of 2: Use your leg to mount the horse

1. 1 Stand next to the horse. As mentioned earlier, the horse is usually climbed from the left side, but you can climb from either side. Turn to the saddle.
2. 2 Adjust the reins. You must hold the reins firmly in your hand as you climb onto it so that it doesn’t slide out from under you. Keep the inner rein short so that if the horse decides to leave, it will just spin in place.
3. 3 Put your foot in the stirrup. Raise your front leg (the one closest to the horse's head) and slide it into the stirrup so that the weight is on the toe.If the saddle is too high off the ground, or you can't get your leg up that high, lift your leg with your hand or ask a friend for help.
   • If you are using a ladder to climb a horse, step on it before inserting your foot into the stirrup.
4. 4 Grab the front of your saddle. If you are using a cowboy saddle, grab the horn with your hand. Grip the front bow at the English saddle.
5. 5 Pull yourself up. Step on the stirrup as if you were stepping on a step and pull yourself with the hand on the saddle. You can pull yourself with the other hand while holding on to the back bow.
   • If you have a friend next to you, tell him to hold the saddle on the other side so that it does not tilt in your direction.
6. 6 Swing your leg over the saddle. When you have lifted yourself off the ground and your belly is at the level of the saddle, swing your back leg over the saddle. Be careful not to kick the horse!
7. 7 Sit in the saddle. Sit in the saddle slowly and try not to flop into it so as not to hurt the horse. It may take a long time at first, but gradually you will learn to do it quickly.
8. 8 Adjust the fit. When you are stable on your horse, correct your position. Put on the second stirrup and adjust the length if necessary.

Tips

• Although you are told to climb on the left side, research shows that it is best to train your horse to climb on both sides in order to develop the muscles on both sides.
• Be careful when climbing a fast horse. You can always ask another person for help.
• Remember to use logic when driving a horse.
• If your horse starts walking when you climb on it, just pull lightly on the reins and say "Ooh".
• If you are an inexperienced rider, have an experienced rider or instructor supervise you at all times. Never ride alone.
• If your horse refuses to be mounted, take each step in turn and pet him when he stands still.

Warnings

• Always check the girth!
• Never flop into the saddle, but slowly lower yourself into it.
• Some horses are very sensitive. After you swing your leg over the saddle, you should stand in the stirrups for a couple of seconds.
• Wear a special helmet and shoes with small heels when riding your horse.

What do you need

• Horse harness
• Riding boots
• Helmet
• Auxiliary step
• Assistant