MOUNTING, DISMOUNTING, ADJUSTING THE STIRRUPS AND GIRTH.
MOUNTING
Check all your tack, especially your girth before attempting to mount.
It is always better to mount from the mounting block, as this is less stressful for your horse, yourself and your saddle.
If you are mounting from a block always remember to-
Hold your reins in your left hand to stop your horse moving.
If you have a whip, put it in your left hand as well so you do not swing it over the back of your horse as you get on.
Remember to place your right hand on the right skirt or stirrup leather to counterbalance your weight as you mount.
Always lower your weight gently into the middle of the saddle.
Put both your feet in the stirrups before walking forward.
MOUNTING FROM THE GROUND
Below is the safest and easiest (in my opinion) way to mount from the ground. If you have physical issues then you must find the best way forward for you and your horse. While practising it is a good idea to have a friend there to hold the opposite stirrup. This is so the saddle does not slip or your horse move.
Remember to always check your girth before mounting
Stand on your horse’s left hand side, as close to your horse’s shoulder as you can, facing his hindquarters.
Gather up your reins in your left hand, so your horse cannot walk off easily.
If you have a whip, place it in your left hand with your reins, so you do not swing it over your horse’s back as you mount.
Turn your stirrup around so it faces you.
Place your left foot in the stirrup.
Hop around, using your right hand on the saddle as balance, until you are facing forward and your knee can flop out to the side easily.
Place your right hand on the right hand skirt, or stirrup leather.
Do 2 little jumps, and on the third, bounce up straightening your knee and pushing weight on your right hand to counterbalance your saddle.
Once you are standing and balanced, swing your right leg over your horse’s back, lowering yourself gently into the saddle.
Once on board safely put your right foot in the stirrup and praise your horse.
DISMOUNTING
Take your feet out of both stirrups.
Place both your reins and whip in your left hand.
Lean forward, putting your right hand on the front of the saddle to help.
Swing your right leg over the back of your horse, pushing yourself off.
Remember to bend your knees as you land.
Roll up your stirrups, loosen your girth and take your reins over your horse’s head, ready to lead them.
HOW TO TIGHTEN YOUR GIRTH
Check your girth by leaning forward and sliding your hand in between the girth and your horse’s side.
You should be able to slide your hand in easily but not be able to lift any fingers to make a gap. If you can you need to tighten it.
As a rider it is very important you learn to do this as your safety, and your horse’s comfort, is your responsibility.
Place both your reins and whip in the hand not on the side you are adjusting, usually the right hand.
Lift your leg still in the stirrup, in front of the saddle.
Lift the saddle flap and hold it in your free hand if you want.
Pull the buckle guard up a little.
Slide your hand down the girth straps, tightening the one nearest the horse’s head first.
Once both straps are tightened pull the guard back down over the buckles.
Put the flap down and put your leg back in position.
ADJUSTING YOUR STIRRUPS
You should regularly check your stirrup leathers are equal by removing them from the saddle and comparing them. This is because they can stretch easily, especially the left one as you mount on this side.
If they are equal it is easy to check if they are level, once you are on, by just counting the holes. Can you imagine giving someone a piggyback and them leaning to one side all the time? This is what it must be like for the horse if you ride with odd stirrups.
Place your reins and whip in the hand on the side not being adjusted.
When adjusting your leathers, keep your foot in the stirrup, but lift the weight off it. This is done so you can easily check the length.
Lift your leg and pull the buckle up a little bit with your hand and pull the pin out with your index finger.
Put your leg in the desired position by either lifting it or pushing down the stirrup.
Put the buckle pin in the hole.
To put the buckle back up at the top, by the stirrup bar, lift your leg and buckle up, then push down with your foot until it is in place.
Final Thoughts
All of these actions take practise, but the most important thing is you do not hurt your horse whilst learning.
It is a good idea to have a friend there to assist while you perfect it.