1. Anna says:

   October 2, 2012 at 10:19 am

   Hi Audrey, Your horse looks like a real sweetheart, and your mounting technique works for you. However, some horses will not tolerate having a foot ‘hooked’ onto their back and wait for you to pull yourself up. They’ll give a little buck or step off, leaving most of us on the ground. I would like to suggest a different method, that I believe is safer and more comfortable for the horse. It also doesn’t require quite the flexibility that you have.

   As you said, shorten your reins, and then shorten the right rein a little more. (That will keep the horse from stepping away from you with his hindquarters.) Then, facing the side of your horse, place your left hand on the withers and your right hand further down his back. Jump up and lean just enought over his back to balance yourself. Dont try to pull yourself up, it’s a jump. You should look like you are mounting a balance beam or parallel bars. Pause briefly, with your weight still on your hands, to make sure your horse is not startled, then swing your right leg over, avoiding hitting him on the back with your foot or seat.

   Audrey, you and your horse are ready for the more advanced “swing up” that you see in Westerns. Practice, practice, and practice, and you’ll get it. It’s just like you’re doing now, only you’ll have to back up one more step to get a little momentum. It’s fun and so easy once you get the hang of it.

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