Teaching a Proper Mount: It’s More Than Just Getting Up There

When most people think about horseback riding lessons, the minds of both instructors and riders immediately jump to the action that takes place in the saddle. However, one crucial aspect of riding often gets overlooked: the mount. The process of getting on the horse sets the stage for everything that follows, and teaching riders how to mount correctly is an essential skill that affects both the rider’s safety and the horse’s comfort. 

As a riding instructor, I’ve observed countless mounts, both good and bad. By sharing some of the most common mistakes I’ve seen and some useful tips, I aim to help you improve this foundational skill for your riders to ensure a safer, more comfortable ride for both rider and horse.

Why a Good Mount Matters

1. Safety First
   Mounting is one of the most vulnerable times for both the rider and the horse. As the rider’s center of gravity shifts from the ground to the horse’s back, it requires balance and coordination. A poor mount can lead to falls or discomfort, which is why a proper mount is vital. The higher you are from the ground, the further the fall—and a safe, smooth attentive mount minimizes that risk.
2. Instills Confidence
   A smooth, controlled mount helps boost riders confidence. A proper mount creates a sense of stability before they even start riding, which sets the tone for the rest of the lesson. It’s an essential skill that helps them build trust in themselves and their horse. Remember, a fear of falling at the mount translates to the saddle.
3. The Horse’s Comfort
   A good mount isn’t just for the rider, it’s essential for the horse, too. A poorly executed mount can cause stress or even physical discomfort for the horse, leading to behavioral issues like shying away from the mounting process or worse. When done properly, the mount is a more comfortable experience for the horse and helps create a trusting, positive relationship.

Common Mounting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Not Evaluating and Adapting To A Riders Current Ability
   Before mounting a new rider or one who has had a long break, assess the rider’s flexibility, strength and coordination to make sure they are capable of mounting in the way you have planned. If you are planning a standard croup mount from a mounting block, the rider needs adequate hip abduction, coordination and strength to swing their leg over the horse’s haunches and saddle.
   
2. Not Setting the Stirrups Before Mounting
   Taking the time to set stirrups before mounting is very beneficial. It’s far safer and easier to adjust the stirrups before a rider is in the saddle. Even if you’re not able to get them perfectly set, make sure they’re even. This way, when the rider is in the saddle, one final adjustment to each side minimizes the time a rider is in a vulnerable position.
   
3. Incorrect Mounting Block Setup
   Using a mounting block can significantly improve the mounting process for both horse and rider, but it needs to be positioned correctly. Here’s what to consider:
   • Block placement: Position the mounting block with the front edge directly beneath the hanging stirrup iron. If the block is too close to the shoulder, the rider is more likely to twist or rotate awkwardly to get their forward foot in the stirrup. 
   • Horse placement: The horse barrel should be near the edge of the block. Not far away where the rider has to reach for the stirrup but also not where the horse is standing directly over it, making it difficult to maneuver around the horse’s barrel. 
     
4. Mounting An Off Balance Horse: Ensure the horse is standing square and balanced. A horse that’s off-balance is much more likely to move during the mount to rebalance or avoid the added weight which increases the risk of a fall. 
   
5. Tightening the Girth at the Mounting Block
   It’s tempting to tighten the girth while standing on the mounting block, but the elevated position can easily lead to over-tightening. Tighten from the ground and check from the sternum.
   • As a side note: I alway try to be mindful of when I might be adding extra pressure, like tightening the girth, in the mounting area. Additionally, I prefer to let the horse move a little after the final girth tightening to help the saddle and girth settle before the rider’s weight is added.

How to Teach the Mount Effectively

Teaching the mount is not a one-time lesson; it’s an ongoing process. It’s important not to rush through this part of the lesson and to continually reinforce the proper mounting techniques. Here are some tips to make the mounting process safer, smoother and more comfortable for both your riders and horses:

• Provide Clear Instructions (The Hows and Whys)
  Explain to your riders not just what to do but why they should do it. Clear communication ensures they understand the importance of the proper mount and helps them feel confident in their ability to execute it correctly. 
  
• Stabilize the Mounting Block
  I like to put my foot on the bottom step of the mounting block to prevent it from flipping over. Believe it or not, those big nice mourning blocks can and will flip over causing unnecessary stress for the rider and the horse.
  
• Stabilize the Stirrups
  For some riders I will support by stabilizing the stirrup on the mounting side or counterweighting the other stirrup. 
  
• Synchronize Timing
  Coordinate timing can be beneficial especially when multiple people are supporting the mount. Teach your riders to provide awareness of the mount by counting or cueing their own mount if possible so that everyone knows when the transfer is happening. 

The Mount: A Foundational Skill

The mount is not just the first step of the ride, it’s a critical moment that requires focus and care. It’s easy to rush through the mounting process, but remember, this is where a rider’s safety, confidence, and relationship with the horse begin. The mount influences how comfortable and balanced both the rider and the horse will be for the entire ride. By treating the mount as a skill that needs constant attention and refinement, you’ll not only help your students improve their riding but also create a safer, more positive environment for both rider and horse. Keep teaching, keep practicing, and remember: a proper mount isn’t just the start of the ride—it’s the foundation for success.

By focusing on the mount as an integral part of the riding process, you’ll not only help your students ride better but also foster a safer, more positive environment for both the rider and the horse. So, keep teaching, keep practicing, and remember: a good mount is the first step to a successful ride!